NWSL has revolutionized women’s football in the USA resulting in significant growth in its fanbase. The league is home to some of the best female footballers from around the world and has inspired other countries to invest in their respective leagues.
The league recently expanded in the number of participating clubs with further expansion set to take place in 2026. The new franchises have raised the profile of the league and attracted more sponsors and media attention contributing to their overall growth and revenue.
Today let us take a look at the most valuable NWSL teams.
10. Racing Louisville FC – 47 million USD
Racing Louisville FC is one of the newer clubs of the NWSL having joined the league in 2021. The club has shown progression both on and off the field, contributing to the overall revenue generation of NWSL. They play their home games at the Lynn Family Stadium and attract significant numbers on matchday which is a key driver of overall revenue.
Louisville has also secured lucrative sponsorship deals with big brands and their revenue of 47 million USD looks set to increase in the coming years.
9. NJ/NY Gotham FC – 48 million USD
NJ/NY Gotham FC was founded in 2006 as Jersey Sky Blue but was rebranded as Gotham FC in 2021. The club boasts an annual revenue of 48 million USD and much of this is due to the location of their home ground, Red Bull Arena in a metropolitan area of Harrison, New Jersey, one of the largest and most diverse places in the United States.
Along with high-profile sponsorship deals, the club earns a huge revenue with its media coverage thanks to its partnerships with CBS, Twitch, and the NWSL’s official channels, significantly contributing to the overall revenue of the club.
8. OL Reign – 49 million USD
OL Reign is one of the most successful and widely known clubs of NWSL. It has a revenue of 49 million USD thanks to its loyal and passionate fanbase. The club is affiliated with the French League club Olympique Lyonnais which helps it financially, further increasing its global appeal.
A number of player switches have been seen over the years between the two clubs, increasing their financial stability and growing prospects. With more lucrative sponsors expected to partner with Reign in the coming years, the club is expected to make huge strides in its revenue growth.
7. Houston Dash – 50 million USD
Established in 2014, Houston Dash is known for promoting young local players through its academies. The team plays its home games at Shell Energy Stadium which they share with Houston Dynamo FC of MLS and attract big crowds on matchday. Dash has an annual revenue of 50 million USD and the majority of that revenue comes from the sponsorship deals that it shares with Houston Dynamo.
Continuous investment in young players with high resale value and broadcasting deals with CBS and Twitch has also increased its overall revenue over the years.
6. North Carolina Courage – 52 million USD
North Carolina Courage has lifted 3 NWSL Shields so far in their history, making them one of the most successful teams in the league’s history. They have an annual revenue of 52 million USD loyal fanbase who turn up in huge numbers on matchdays at the WakeMed Soccer Park.
The Courage is owned by the same owners that own North Carolina FC, a men’s soccer team in the USL League One, helping them to attract players, sponsors, and media coverage for their already-built reputation.
5. Washington Spirit – 54 million USD
When it comes to pure fan engagement, the Washington Spirit is one of the finest in NWSL, usually attracting numbers like the men’s teams during matchday. Spirit won the NWSL Championship in 2021 which greatly enhanced the team’s brand and market value. Their success has attracted some lucrative sponsors to the team, helping them to achieve an annual revenue of 54 million USD approximately.
The development of young local talent has increased their community engagement the resale value of players and their strategic investment has also contributed to their revenue over the years.
4. Portland Thorns – 65 million USD
Portland Thorns has an annual revenue of 65 million USD approximately. Their home ground, Providence Park usually attracts crowds of over 20,000 on matchday, creating one of the best atmospheres in women’s soccer globally. Their success on the field has established themselves as one of the big names in NWSL, resulting in lucrative sponsorship deals and media attention.
Thorns’ takeover by the Bathal family in 2024 significantly changed its fortunes and is expected to witness huge investments in the academies and the transfer market which would help it grow further and increase its global appeal in the near future.
3. Kansas City Current – 75 million USD
Kansas City Current boasts an annual revenue of 75 million USD. They recently moved to CPKC Stadium which significantly contributed to the ticket sales and merchandise selling. Kansas sponsors contribute the majority of their revenue and lucrative TV deals with Reddit and CBS also add up to their numbers.
Kansas places a big emphasis on local academies and promoting football from the grassroots level has further increased their reputation among fans and strategic business in buying and selling players has further contributed to its revenue.
2. San Diego Wave – 90 million USD
San Diego Wave is the second-most valuable NWSL club with an annual revenue of 90 million USD. The Wave plays its home games at Snapdragon Stadium, which attracts large crowds on matchday, and its sponsorship with big brands significantly increases its financial health.
San Diego Wave also witnessed a takeover recently with principal owner Ron Burkle agreeing to sell the professional women’s soccer club to the Levine Leichtman family in a two-part deal.
1. Angel City FC – 180 million USD
With an annual revenue of 180 million USD, Angel City FC is the most valuable club in the NWSL. The club has enjoyed strong attendance on matchdays, thanks to a passionate fan base and the appeal of a major market like Los Angeles. Sponsors like Jewelers of America, Citi, and The Kraft Group are another major source of revenue for the Los Angeles-based club.
Angel City FC is also known for its hospitality in the BMO Stadium on matchday including premium seatings, VIP boxes, and much more, and with plans to develop and further invest in facilities, the revenue is only expected to rise in the coming years.
Read More: Most Followed NWSL Players on Instagram
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
