Report: NWSL nearing vote on calendar shift

Field Level Media|published: Fri 17th April, 13:07 2026

NWSL: Kansas City Current at Washington Spirit

Sep 30, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; A general view of the game ball before the game between Washington Spirit and Kansas City Current at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The NWSL reportedly is considering a switch to a fall-to-spring schedule to align with other top soccer leagues -- including MLS.

ESPN reported on Friday that the NWSL's board of governors is expected to vote on the issue later this month.

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.

Switching calendars, if approved, could take several years to implement, per the report.

A league spokesperson declined to provide a comment to ESPN.

Those in favor of shifting to a fall-to-spring setup argue that there would be less competition for TV viewers for the NWSL playoffs. Those against a change point to the potential safety risks of playing in the league's many cold-weather markets, including Denver, Boston, Chicago, Seattle and Salt Lake City.

--Field Level Media

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