What Happens to the NWSL During the 2024 Olympics?

With the 2024 Olympics quickly approaching, soccer fans can’t help but wonder what will happen to the NWSL. Sure enough, the league is set to take a month-long pause dating from July 8 to August 18. However, that does not mean there won’t be any action from the NWSL, so don’t worry! Let’s break down the summer schedule that is ahead of us.

NWSL x Liga MX Femenil 2024 Summer Cup

The 2024 Paris Olympics won’t be the only summer event to keep a look out for! All 14 teams in the NWSL and the top six Liga MX Femenil teams, Tigres UANL, Club América, Chivas de Guadalajara, Rayadas de Monterrey, Pachuca, and Tijuana, will compete in the first-ever Summer Cup during the Olympic break. Although NWSL squads will be without their Olympians, the competitive spirit that the NWSL has brought all season will continue to be displayed against various dynamic teams from the Liga MX Femenil. Take a look at how the teams are grouped.

Fans can watch the 30-match group stage during the summer, whereas the four-team semifinal round is set to be played on August 6. The championship match will be held in San Antonio, Texas, on October 25, a week before the final NWSL regular season games take place.

The NWSL and Liga MX Femenil hope to continue receiving recognition with increased viewership, and hosting this summer tournament may do the trick. Another benefit of this tournament is that players do not have to rely on off-season tactics to keep their conditioning levels in top form. Players from both leagues maintaining their peak forms will only help the competitive nature of both leagues remain at an all-time high.

NWSL Awards

While enjoying the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup, fans and voters can reflect on this year’s awards. The categories include Most Valuable Player, Golden Boot, Defender of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Teams of the Year.

Along with these season awards, the first Lauren Holiday Impact Award will be given to one out of 14 club nominees. All 14 nominated finalists and the ultimate Lauren Holiday Impact Award winner must display inspirational impact and positive outreach to communities outside the pitch. Lauren Holiday embodies social impact and overall inspiration, which ties nicely into the purpose of naming the award after her.

The NWSL is excited to introduce the Lauren Holiday Impact Award, presented by @Nationwide!

Formerly known as the Nationwide Community Impact Award, the Lauren Holiday Impact Award honors NWSL players who are making a difference in their communities and the lives of others.… pic.twitter.com/BjdJAiYa38

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 23, 2024

Supporting Your Team

Many spectators are eager to witness how the 2024 Paris Olympics unfolds. While many of us will be rooting for our teams, it is essential to notice the quality of skill coming from the opposing side. Very similar to the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil, fans should cheer on their team while appreciating the heightened skill and overall growth of women’s soccer that comes from all parts of the world. Despite the NWSL having a mid-season break, there is still a lot to consider and cheer for in the world of women’s soccer this summer!\

Featured image via @houstondash on Instagram

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