NWSL delays plan to alter schedule until at least 2031

The NWSL will continue to operate with a spring-to-fall schedule through at least the 2030 season, the league announced on Wednesday.

The announcement came one day after the NWSL Board of Governors made the decision in Portland, Ore. Representatives from the 18 league franchises assembled in person along with commissioner Jessica Berman as they considered a switch to a fall-to-spring schedule to align with other top soccer leagues -- including MLS.

"The National Women's Soccer League will continue to operate under its current spring-to-fall schedule through 2028, 2029, and 2030," a statement from the league read.

"Following extensive evaluation and close collaboration with key stakeholders, we have made the deliberate decision to maintain our existing competition calendar for this period. This decision reflects our confidence in the strong momentum and growth the league has achieved under its current structure, and our commitment to providing stability for everyone invested in the NWSL's success."

Currently, the NWSL season runs from March to November. Top circuits in Europe start in late summer or early fall and end in late spring. MLS is making the transition to that format next season.

The NWSL board previously voted against a calendar shift in 2024, according to ESPN.

"We remain thoughtful about the long-term evaluation of our calendar -- and will continue to assess future opportunities with the same rigor and broad stakeholder alignment that guided this decision," the statement from the NWSL continued.

"Any change of that magnitude would be communicated with ample notice."

--Field Level Media