The Washington Spirit already kicked off 2025 with a Challenge Cup victory over Orlando – what to expect next in NWSL?
The 2024 NWSL season brought all the action, all of the drama, and of course heartache. From Marta and the Orlando Pride making history and winning both the Shield and the Championship, to the Washington Spirit displaying one of the best rookie classes the league has ever seen – and of course Kansas City Current putting on a masterclass in just about everything – 2024 was elite.
While some teams are rostered similarly to the last season, some teams have had total shakeups in advance of a new campaign. And this will be the final edition of a 14-team league, as the NWSL will add two new clubs for 2026. INDIVISA takes a look at each team ahead of the 2025 season.
Getty ImagesAngel City
Angel City was 7-13-6 in 2024, scoring 29 goals and giving up 42. For Angel City, they will rely heavily on the local Thompson sisters to create a winning culture. Alyssa and Gisele both extended their contracts through 2028 and were called up to the recent USWNT SheBelieves Cup roster.
Angel City have lots of attacking options, and some of the best outside backs in the game: Gisele, Sarah Gorden, and others. Savy King joining the LA team will also be a huge victory, as she adds a lot of dimension both on the attack and defensively.
AdvertisementImagn ImagesBay FC
Bay FC finished the 2024 season with an 11-14-1 record. They managed to get past the playoff line cutoff, and put in a good performance in playoffs, despite falling short against a rapid Washington Spirit side.
Bay FC is stacked with talent, whether it's Rachel Kundanji creating chaos down the line, or Abby Dahlkemper scoring crazy header goals – or even Alyssa Malonson leaving it all on the line defensively.
Getty ImagesChicago Stars FC
Chicago Stars FC was 10-14-2 in 2024, and the great Alyssa Naeher helped anchor the backline earning 87 saves on the season. The Stars will continue to be a threat on all sides of the ball, with Sam Staab in the back, Julia Grosso in the middle, and Nadia Gomes and Ally Schlegel on the attack.
Mallory Swanson is pivotal to the Stars' attack, but has informed the club that she will not be joining them for the first part of the season due to personal reasons.
IMGANGotham FC
Gotham FC finished the 2024 regular season in third place with a 17-4-5 overall record. The 2023 NWSL champs were hunting for another trophy, however fell short in the semifinals against the Washington Spirit.
Gotham FC had significant change in the offseason, with key players such as Lynn Biyendolo, Yazmeen Ryan, Jenna Nighswonger and Crystal Dunn either joining other NWSL teams or going abroad. Gotham does have a deep squad, with Emily Sonnet and Rose Lavelle still on the roster for 2025.
While the team will have to find new ways to score, they recently announced that Midge Purce is back and ready to go.