As the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) surges into the final stretch of the season, a record-breaking ownership deal and fierce competition for the top scorer crown have fans buzzing and investors eager.
Upcoming games threaten to shake up playoff positions, including a nail-biting clash between the unbeaten Orlando Pride and a determined Portland Thorns.
The NWSL is attracting the attention of both fans and investors alike. The league’s fans are pouring in more energy while investors are pouring in more money.
Recently, a record-breaking deal was made between former Milwaukee Bucks owner Marc Lasry and the NC Courage. Lasry signed a 60% ownership deal with the NWSL team valuing the NC Courage at an impressive $108 million – a huge step up from its previous $66 million valuation.
There’s no denying the NWSL isn’t worth this insane amount of money and attention when the league is constantly delivering attention grabbing headlines.
One of those jaw-dropping headlines involves KC Current’s Temwa Chawinga and Orlando Pride’s Barbra Banda, who are battling for the crown of Top Goal Scorer. Chawinga is currently crowned with 18 goals while Banda is trailing with 13.
ND soccer player, Zara Edler ’26 is rooting for Barbra Banda. “She’s gonna make a comeback and beat Chawinga in the last minutes of the season,” said Edler.
But no one is counting out Chawinga, not only is she the leading scorer, but she also has the second most assists, trailing behind the one and only Croix Bethune.
Bethune has been one of the brightest players in the league this season scoring 5 goals and a whopping 10 assists in 17 games. Unfortunately Bethune recently suffered a torn meniscus while throwing the opening pitch at a Yankees game. Fans are absolutely devastated.
NWSL fan Sophia Rodriquez ’26 was particularly surprised. “I was shocked when I heard about it. You wouldn’t expect that kind of injury to happen off the soccer field,” said Rodriguez.
There’s no denying that Washington Spirit has experienced a massive loss, however, Bethune’s team is still second in the league with an impressive record of 15-6-2. Their upcoming game against Racing Louisville is definitely going to be a fun one to watch with USWNT players like Trinity Rodman and Savannah Demelo on opposing teams.
Every game in the NWSL is intense, but lately they’ve been even more exhilarating because only the top 8 out of 14 qualify for playoffs. This makes these last few games crucial for teams like Portland Thorns (7th place), Bay FC (8th place), and Racing Louisville (9th) as they try to solidify or sneak their way into the playoffs.
With a 2-0 win over the undefeated Orlando Pride on October 11, The Portland Thorns secured their playoff spot.
The NWSL has been jam packed with all sorts of exciting news recently, and it’s only going to get better as we get closer to the playoffs starting November 9th! Are you ready?
