Increase in women's soccer generates more career pathways for athletic competitors.
Women's soccer is on the rise, and the opportunities for aspiring players to make a career in the sport are growing rapidly.
Once dominated by the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), the professional landscape is now being challenged by a host of new leagues popping up in North America. The USL's Super League and the Northern Super League in Canada are some of the recent additions to the scene.
This surge shows no signs of slowing down, as it appears lower-tier leagues are also gearing up for action. The NWSL is even planning to launch a second-division league next year, with at least six teams and the potential to kick off in 2026. Another second-tier league called the WPSL Pro will also debut next year.
"This is what progress looks like," said Amanda Vandervort, the president of the USL Super League. "The more options there are for players, investors, and fans, the better it is for everyone."
The Super League and the NWSL aren't necessarily rivals but partners, working together to grow the game. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman echoes this sentiment, stating there's room for everyone. As Berman pointed out, these leagues serve as stepping stones for players, offering opportunities to continue their careers while they seek a spot in the NWSL.
In Canada, the Northern Super League, led by former national team star Diana Matheson, recently kicked off. The league, featuring a minimum salary of $50,000, draws players from over 20 countries, making it a truly global industry.
Meanwhile, Mexico's Liga MX Femenil continues to establish itself as the most established women's professional league in North America outside of the NWSL.
In an increasingly competitive market, these leagues are bridging the gap between amateur soccer and the top tier, providing more opportunities for players to showcase their talents and grow the sport of women's soccer across North America.
- The rise of women's soccer continues, with new leagues such as the USL's Super League and Canada's Northern Super League adding to the competitive landscape.
- In 2026, the NWSL is set to launch a second-division league, further expanding opportunities for aspiring players in the world of sports.
- The WPSL Pro league will also debut next year, joining the ranks of national and international leagues focusing on health-and-wellness and women's health.
- Partnership rather than rivalry is the approach taken by the Super League and the NWSL, both aiming to grow women's soccer and offering stepping stones for players.
- Canada's Northern Super League, with a minimum salary of $50,000, attracts players from around the globe, making it a truly international health-and-wellness and sports industry.
- As the market becomes more competitive, leagues like Mexico's Liga MX Femenil are bridging the gap between amateur soccer and the top tier, fostering the growth of women's soccer across North America.
