NWSL announce 2023 schedule; Challenge Cup format updated

Published:
NWSL announce 2023 schedule; Challenge Cup format updated

The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) announced that the 2023 campaign will begin on March 25 with the new format for this year's UKG NWSL Challenge Cup set to start on April 19.

Champions Portland Thorns will kick off their NWSL title defence on March 26 against Orlando Pride at Providence Park as Mike Norris marks his first match in charge of the club following his promotion from assistant coach in January.

Despite OL Reign winning the shield after topping the standings, Thorns prevailed in last season's championship playoffs against Kansas Current to clinch their third NWSL title last season with 2022 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year Sophia Smith starring a key role under previous head coach Rhian Wilkinson. 

The league schedule commences with North Carolina Courage's clash against Current on March 25 before a night fixture between Alex Morgan's San Diego Wave and Chicago Red Stars at the Snapdragon Stadium.

Just a week later, Thorns and Kansas will meet on April 1. for their first rematch since Portland's 2-0 victory in the 2022 NWSL Championship finale in October.

There are scheduled to be four meetings between last season's top two, Portland and Reign, across the league and Challenge Cup. The first will take place on June 3.

Last season's match between Wave and Angel City FC attracted the league's record crowd of 32,000 in September. They will meet for the first time in the new season on April 23 at the BMO Stadium, Los Angeles. 

For the first time in NWSL history, the league will have a blockbuster final day with all 12 sides competing. 

Related News

Barcelona VP confirms transfer talks with Messi Barcelona VP confirms transfer talks with Messi

Barcelona VP Rafa Yuste confirmed the club are in contact with Lionel Messi about bringing him back when his contract with PSG expires in June.

Tuchel regrets Dortmund end, focused on Bayern Tuchel regrets Dortmund end, focused on Bayern

New Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel said he had regrets over how his time with Borussia Dortmund came to an end.

2030 WC must be in South America - CONMEBOL 2030 WC must be in South America - CONMEBOL

CONMEBOL's president told FIFA it would be a mistake not to award the 2030 World Cup to a joint bid from Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Chile.

Spurs dir. Paratici on leave pending ban appeal Spurs dir. Paratici on leave pending ban appeal

Tottenham's managing director of football Fabio Paratici will step back from his role with immediate effect pending an appeal over his global ban.

Chicharito: Mexico boss says door open to return Chicharito: Mexico boss says door open to return

Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez confirmed he's talked with new Mexico manager Diego Cocca and that the door "is open" to a national team return.

Sources: Shaw to sign new long-term deal at Utd Sources: Shaw to sign new long-term deal at Utd

Luke Shaw extended his deal by a year in December but the club have moved to tie the left-back down to a longer contract, sources have told ESPN.

Klopp on City, Arsenal matches: UCL week for us Klopp on City, Arsenal matches: UCL week for us

Jurgen Klopp said Liverpool face a "Champions League week" as they prepare to take on Premier League title contenders Manchester City and Arsenal.

Pep won't rule out Haaland for Liverpool clash Pep won't rule out Haaland for Liverpool clash

Erling Haaland withdrew from the Norway squad during the international break with a groin injury and missed Man City training on Thursday.

Spain omit rebel players again as WWC nears Spain omit rebel players again as WWC nears

Spain's national team has once again left out the 15 rebel players for their last two warm-up games ahead of the Women's World Cup this summer.