NWSL to Begin 2027 Season Earlier Due to Women's World Cup

The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) is set to commence its 2027 season on February 11, a month earlier than usual, in order to accommodate the FIFA Women's World Cup. This adjustment will require a seven-week break for the league from June to July. To fit a full 30-game season within this timeframe, the NWSL will have to innovate its scheduling.

The league must also take into account the Super Bowl XLI, which is scheduled for February 14 at SoFi Stadium. Angel City FC will host its season opener at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on the same day. NWSL vice president of strategy, Carlin Hudson, addressed the challenge stating, "Given the realities of the match calendar in 2027, we tried to think through if we're playing on Super Bowl weekend, how do we try to be a part of the conversation and not separate the sports world, but just aggregate it more around that area?"

Due to this earlier start, there will be only six weeks between the NWSL Championship and the beginning of the preseason in January, marking the shortest offseason in NWSL history. The league is still finalizing the exact 2027 schedule, with an aim to release it in December. Additional challenges include a CBA-mandated off week in June and the potential impact of the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.

Hudson acknowledged the collaborative effort required from all parties involved, including clubs, venues, and MLS, as the league navigates these new scheduling challenges.