February 8, 2023 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) News Release
NEW YORK – The National Women’s Soccer League announced today the full schedule for the upcoming 2023 regular season slated to kick off on Saturday, March 25. The league also released schedule details for the newly formatted 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup, set to begin on Wednesday, April 19.
The NWSL’s 11th regular season includes 12 teams in a single table, 22-match campaign with 11 home games and 11 away games per club.
Comprised of a balanced 22-game schedule, the 132-game regular season will be played over 22 weeks, reducing the number of mid-week matches to minimize schedule congestion for player safety and optimal performance. The schedule has also been formatted to limit the number of regular season games staged during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to ensure the league’s top players are able to compete for both club and country with minimal conflicts.
Opening weekend will see all 12 teams in action. Kicking off the 2023 campaign Saturday, March 25, goalkeeper Adrianna Franch and the Kansas City Current, last year’s NWSL Championship runner-up, head east to take on veteran midfielder Denise O’Sullivan and the 2022 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup Champion North Carolina Courage at WakeMed Soccer Park. In the club’s first full season at Snapdragon Stadium, forward Alex Morgan and San Diego Wave FC host Mallory Swanson (née Pugh) and the Chicago Red Stars in a star-studded matchup to close out opening night.
Action continues Sunday, March 26 with a quartet of matches across the country. Headlined by reigning league and championship MVP Sophia Smith, Portland Thorns FC begins their title defense with a contest against Marta and the Orlando Pride at Providence Park.
Former teammates Abby Erceg, Diana Ordóñez and Carson Pickett reunite as the Houston Dash host regional foe Racing Louisville FC in the team’s home opener at Shell Energy Stadium, while the Washington Spirit, led by USWNT mainstay Trinity Rodman, begin their home slate at Audi Field, hosting a veteran-lined OL Reign.
Rounding out the weekend, Angel City FC, who averaged more than 19,000 fans in their inaugural season, kicks off their second year in the league with a battle of the coasts against NJ/NY Gotham FC and club newcomers Kelley O’Hara and Lynn Williams at BMO Stadium.
In addition to the regular season, the UKG NWSL Challenge Cup returns for its fourth year Wednesday, April 19. For the first time since its inception in…