The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announces key dates for its 2027 season to align with the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. According to the league’s plan released this week, the regular season will begin on February 11, which would be the earliest start in the league’s history. The opening match is scheduled to be hosted by Angel City in Los Angeles, with the game set for three days before Super Bowl LXI in the same city. The schedule also includes a seven-week summer break to account for the Women’s World Cup.
In addition to regular-season dates, the NWSL outlines plans for its annual Challenge Cup. The Challenge Cup, which matches the reigning champion against the Shield winner, is set for February 6, with the venue still to be determined. The league’s approach centers on shifting the season earlier and building in a mid-year pause so its competition calendar can fit around the global tournament.
