By OkayGoal 
Season six of the NWSL kicked off in April, and you can see both established top players and fresh newcomers already competing. Since 14 teams play a regular season of 26 matches, the league is sure to deliver exciting contests. Below is an overview of the teams standing out and the players to keep an eye on this year.
Top Contenders
Kansas City Current
Leading the pack, the Kansas City Current has demonstrated resilience and depth, maintaining their dominance despite key injuries. Consistency and their organized style of play are keeping them in the top spot in the league. NWSL betting fans are already looking at Kansas City as frontrunners this season, and will be forgiven for labeling them early favorites. You can join in the action with the available free bets for the week at bookmakers mentioned in Cheekypunter’s official site review.
San Diego Wave
Under the guidance of Jonas Eidevall, San Diego Wave is the new team in the city that has emerged as another formidable force. Gia Corley scored on her first two outings before being named the league’s Player of the Week. The team’s amazing unbeaten run is thanks in part to the work Jenna Rodriguez, Adriana Leon, and María Sánchez have put in.
Washington Spirit
Croix Bethune and Ashley Hatch keep turning in outstanding performances for the Spirit this season. Despite an injury last year, Bethune was named Rookie of the Year, and Hatch remains the go-to person when her team needs goals.
Orlando Pride
Orlando Pride is dedicated to retaining its status as champions this year. Barbra Banda’s recent hat-trick shows how effective a striker she is, and will be key to their mission this season.
Emerging Teams Making Waves
The Racing Louisville FC
Bev Yanez has helped Racing Louisville grow a lot over the past year. Holding Angel City off last weekend, with just 10 players, illustrates how much the team has grown and how motivated they are.
NJ/NY Gotham FC
Gotham FC is feeling very confident after winning the Concacaf W Champions Cup. The team boasts incredible depth and strategic skills, and they’ll certainly be one of the teams to watch this season.
Key Transfers Changing Team Dynamics
Portland Thorns FC welcomes Deyna Castellanos
The Thorns have tabbed Venezuelan export Deyna Castellanos to add her skill and insight to the Portland team’s midfield.
Lynn Biyendolo officially joins Seattle Reign FC
Better known as Lynn Williams until recently, Biyendolo is a quick and skilled forward whose addition to the Seattle Reign team adds even more firepower to an already proven attack.
Yazmeen Ryan will join the Houston Dash
Yazmeen Ryan joining the Houston Dash means the team gets championship experience and added versatility in attack.
International Stars Drawing Global Attention
This season, the league will have some of the world’s top athletes competing, including;
- The Zambian Racheal Kundananji should add a lot of firepower for Bay FC.
- Having scored prolifically in Europe, Asisat Oshoala will now help Bay FC create more goals in the NWSL.
- German forward Gia Corley (San Diego Wave) is already making waves and has taken no time to establish herself on foreign soil. She’s quickly becoming a fan favorite.
Season Outlook and What Fans Can Expect
The mix of famed teams and other up-and-coming sides means the 2025 season should be both fun and riveting. Since teams are fighting for playoff places, fans can expect to see memorable and exciting matches all season.