The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) is seeing changes in fan attendance this year. Some teams have fewer fans, while others are welcoming more.
The NWSL experienced an overall attendance decrease of about 5% in 2025, similar to the drop seen in Major League Soccer. The San Diego Wave faced the largest decline, with attendance falling 26% from last year and 35% compared to 2023. This drop may be linked to the arrival of the new MLS team San Diego FC and the retirement of star player Alex Morgan. Other teams with notable attendance decreases include Chicago Stars FC (22%), Angel City FC (16%), Utah Royals FC (16%), and Racing Louisville FC (15%).
On the positive side, five clubs reported attendance increases, with four setting new franchise records. The North Carolina Courage saw a 21% rise, averaging 7,684 fans per game despite missing the playoffs. Orlando Pride's attendance grew by 15%, and Washington Spirit increased by 9% under owner Michele Kang. Bay FC also had an 8% increase, helped by a record-setting match at Oracle Park with 40,091 fans. Gotham FC, Courage, Spirit, and Pride all achieved their highest attendance numbers ever.
Portland Thorns FC led the league with an average of 18,173 fans per game, overtaking San Diego Wave FC due to their attendance drop. The top five teams by average attendance were:
| Rank | Club | Average Attendance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Portland Thorns FC | €18,173 |
| 2 | Angel City FC | €16,257 |
| 3 | Washington Spirit | €15,259 |
| 4 | Bay FC | €14,823 |
| 5 | San Diego Wave FC | €13,427 |
Despite the attendance declines, NWSL Chief Operating Officer Sarah Jones Simmer highlighted the league's strong business health. She noted that many clubs set attendance records in 2025, showing steady fan interest and growth. Seven of the twelve teams with more than two seasons in the league increased their attendance compared to 2023. This suggests a solid foundation for the league's future.
