Teams With Most NWSL Titles

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has seen a diverse group of champions since its inception in 2013. The league is highly competitive often leading to some of the best matches being played in the playoffs.

With everything on the line, the playoffs are full of marquee matches, strategies, and talented players as they aim to crown themselves as the NWSL champions.

Today let us take a look at the teams with the most NWSL titles.

6. NJ/NY Gotham FC – 1 title

NJ/NY Gotham FC are the defending champions of the NWSL Championship currently having won the title in 2023, beating OL Reign in the playoff final by 2-1. This was the first NWSL triumph in their history building their reputation for resilience and determination. Gotham’s blend of youth and experience has played an important role in their success as they look to cement their place as one of the top teams in the league.

Gotham FC’s commitment to building a strong and competitive team has made them an exciting presence in the league and with a strong start to this season, they look poised to defend their crown.

5. Washington Spirit – 1 title

Washington Spirit’s 2021 NWSL season was full of chaos off the field. Their head coach Richie Burke was banned after the players alleged abuse by the head coach. Further, the COVID protocol violations forced them to pull out of two league games but that did not stop them from qualifying for the playoffs where they defeated the Chicago Red Stars in the final by 2-1.

The Spirit’s victory in the 2021 final was highlighted by their tenacity and ability to perform under pressure, capturing their first NWSL Championship in club history.

4. Western New York Flash – 1 title

Known for their dynamic and exciting style of play, Western New York Flash impressed everyone with their domination of the 2016 season. They defeated Washington Spirit in the playoff final on penalties, which is their sole championship in the NWSL to date.

Their success in 2016 laid a strong foundation for the team’s future and contributed to the overall growth and popularity of women’s professional football worldwide. Their triumph also attracted some big names in women’s football to the NWSL, increasing the global appeal of the league.

3. North Carolina Courage – 2 titles

The North Carolina Courage have won the NWSL Championship twice in 2018 and 2019. In the 2018 season, Courage dominated the league and secured their first NWSL championship by defeating Portland Thorns in the playoff final by 3-0. In the following season, Courage again snuck into the playoffs and defeated the Chicago Red Stars 4-0 in the final.

In the two championship-winning seasons, Courage was known for their strong team chemistry and strategic depth. Sam Mewis, Lynn Williams, and Crystal Dunn were the mainstays of their success and are still appreciated by the Courage faithful for their service to the club.

2. FC Kansas City – 2 titles

Known for its lucrative local academies and promoting football from the grassroots level, Kansas City has highly profited from homegrown talent, lifting the NWSL championship twice in its history. Their two titles came in successive years in 2014 and 2015, defeating Seattle Reign FC on both occasions in the playoff final.

 

Following its rebranding in 2020, the club is known as Kansas City Current presently. Current holds the record for the longest unbeaten streak in the league’s 11-year history, winning 17 consecutive games in the 2023 and the ongoing 2024 season.

1. Portland Thorns – 3 titles

Portland Thorns are the most decorated team in NWSL history having won the championship for a record 3 times. Their first win came in the inaugural season of 2013 when they beat Western New York Flash in the final by 2-0. In 2017, they beat North Carolina Courage in the playoff by 1-0 and defeated Kansas City Current in the 2022 final by 2-0.

Thorns’ takeover by the Bathal family in 2024 is expected to bring quality players and infrastructure to the franchise, and with a couple of marquee signings, they are expected to add to their 3 NWSL titles in the coming years.

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