NWSL Power Rankings: The Offseason Shake-Up

Picture this: you're nursing a pint, the footy's on in the background, and we're sizing up the National Women's Soccer League before a ball's been properly kicked in anger. The NWSL's 14th season tips off on 13 March with a cracker – Trinity Rodman's Washington Spirit hosting Sophia Wilson's Portland Thorns. Two expansion outfits, Denver Summit FC and Boston Legacy FC, join the fray, bulking the league to 16 teams, a mammoth 248-match slate, playoffs, and the 2026 Challenge Cup.

Last term, Gotham FC lifted the Championship, but Kansas City Current bossed the Shield with a ridiculous 21-3-2 record. Temwa Chawinga nabbed MVP honours again, and the Spirit made another final. Offseason? Absolute chaos – Rodman inked the fattest contract in women's footy history, Lindsey Heaps heads to Denver, and Wilson’s back post-maternity. Here's our cheeky way-too-early power rankings, based on transfers, last year's graft, and preseason vibes. Let's dive in.

Bottom Feeders to Mid-Table Hopefuls (16-11)

Kicking off at 16: Utah Royals. They're the plucky underdogs we all want to cheer, but beyond snagging Kiana Palacios from Liga MX Femenil, it's slim pickings. Mandy McGlynn could stake a claim for USWNT keeper duties ahead of 2027 World Cup qualifiers, mind.

15: Boston Legacy FC. Fresh blood, decent spine with Nichelle Prince and Casey Murphy, but no superstar to rally around. Splitting home games between stadia and facing champs Gotham first up? Tough gig.

14: Chicago Stars. Rock bottom last year (3-12-11, 20 points), but Michelle Alozie from Houston Dash and Mallory Swanson returning from maternity add spice. Alyssa Naeher's still a wall in goal.

13: Bay FC (20 points last season). Blockbuster trade for Claire Hutton from KC Current screams ambition. Home opener vs Denver? Perfect chance to gel.

12: Houston Dash (30 points). Avery Patterson and Yazmeen Ryan dazzle, but consistency's their kryptonite. San Diego away first – expect fireworks.

11: North Carolina Courage (35 points). Postseason pests, anchored by Ashley Sanchez. Big coup: Kailen Sheridan from San Diego Wave replaces Murphy. Louisville at home to start.

Playoff Pretenders and Dark Horses (10-8)

10: San Diego Wave (37 points). Turnover again – Sheridan gone, Delphine Cascarino to London City Lionesses. But their possession game and creativity endure. Facing old keeper Sheridan at Courage? Brutal opener.

9: Denver Summit FC. Unlike Boston, this lot look playoff-ready. Heaps, Jasmine Aikey, PSG's Eva Gaetino, ex-Orlando's Carson Pickett and Ally Brazier – boss roster. Gaffer Nick Cushing promises attacking footy; identity next.

8: Racing Louisville (37 points). Talented, tough, rapid. Emma Sears carves chances, Makenna Morris locks down the flank, midfield's a beast.

The Elite Lurk Above...

The top seven? That's for another pint – think Spirit, Thorns, KC, Gotham flexing muscle. Rodman's bag of cash, Chawinga's MVP glow, and expansion buzz mean anything's possible. But preseason hints at a bunfight. Will newbies stun? Can Chicago climb? Grab your scarf; the NWSL's about to ignite.