10 Highs and Lows of the 2024 NWSL Season

November 14, 2024
By Tiffani Arnold

With the end of the regular season this month and the upcoming NWSL championship, the 2024 NWSL season is quickly approaching. The nine months of the league’s 12th year unveiled significant developments across the league. Here’s a recap of the highs and lows of this 2024 NWSL season.

Record High League-Wide Attendance

High attendance numbers at stadiums across the NWSL were seen for various teams. The historic game in June at Chicago’s Wrigley Field was a high for The Chicago Stars (or Chicago Red Stars) as they set a record for the highest attendance at a single NWSL game. It was additionally, the inaugural use of Wrigley Field as a professional soccer field. The single-game attendance for the match against Bay FC was 35,038. The Portland Thorns, Angel City FC, San Diego Wave FC, and more also saw record average attendance throughout the season. The NWSL’s 2024 season’s attendance topped a record-breaking 2 million.

Alex Morgan’s Retirement

It could be seen as a high and low for the NWSL season. It signaled the end of an era for fans both internationally and the end of a golden era of women’s soccer during the 2010s. Though many were sad to see Morgan retire, it was a perfect time to celebrate her career and her significant contributions to women’s sports.

Christen Press’ Return

Fans across the world cheered Christen Press on as she returned to the field after her two-year recovery from an ACL injury. Press often shared periodic updates during her recovery journey and time away from the field. In early August, the USWNT player returned to Angel City FC and has since been scoring goals.

Record Holder, Temwa Chawinga

Early in the 2024 season, Malawian player Temwa Chawinga signed with KC Current. Her impact on the field has been seen game after game since her signing. Chawinga became the first player in NWSL history to score 20 goals in a single season and was awarded the 2024 NWSL Golden Boot. Recently, she played a major hand in sending KC Current to the NWSL playoffs. The 2025 season should prove to have even more excitement for the player and for fans.

Angel City Infraction

In early October, Angel City FC was docked 3 points and fined for a salary cap violation. The fine and other actions enacted by the league were seen as a historic decision by the league. The team’s fine of $200,000 is NSWL’s steepest penalty yet. The point deduction resulted in the team’s placement of 12th in the league and lost them a chance in the NWSL championships.

NWSL Draft Elimination

In another historic move, the NWSL eliminated the player draft system. The league is the first American professional sports league to eliminate the college draft. The CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) was enacted for the 2025 season. The restructuring of this system gives players more agency and choice over their team selections.

NWSL SHIELD 2024 Winner

In a win against Washington Spirit, Orlando Pride won this year’s 2024 NWSL shield. The award is given to, as the NWSL stated, “the club with the best record at the conclusion of the regular season, marking the first Shield victory in program history for the undefeated Pride.”

Kelly O’Hara Retirement

Olympic and World Cup-winning player Kelly O’Hara retired this season after 15 years of playing professionally. Her retirement, previously projected for the end of the season, came months earlier due to a season-ending injury. Her career was celebrated at both a Gotham FC and a USWNT game.

Christine Sinclair Retirement

The Canadian-national and Portland Thorns player retired from professional soccer after 25 years in the game. A record 23,212 fans attended her retirement game. At 41, Sinclair finished her career as a player, breaking both international and NWSL records.

Casey Stoney and San Diego Wave Parting

It was a shock to the women’s soccer world when news broke last June that San Diego Wave coach Casey Stoney parted ways with the California-based team. In her place, former MLS player Landon Donavan stepped in as an interim coach.

The 2024 season had its highs and lows, but it isn’t over yet. With the upcoming NWSL Championship on November 23 and the announcements of new player signings by teams, there continues to be more to look forward to as the 2024 season concludes and the 2025 season approaches.