Why You Need to Be Following the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL)

Our women’s and girls’ soccer players and fans know and love the NWSL and their national teams, but what about the Women’s Premier Soccer League or WPSL? There’s a good chance you read that and asked yourself, “the whatPSL?” Well, you have come to just the right place to learn more!

The Women’s Premier Soccer League is the most consistently growing and largest women’s soccer league out there. It’s actually older than the NWSL! Founded in 1998, the WPSL is beginning its 25th season. It has outlasted other leagues like the W League and the WPS. 

After today, just ☝more Saturday before we can watch some #WPSL footy with our favorites. Who's ready?!#HerGame #WPSL25 pic.twitter.com/4VMXnmJPZS

— Women’s Premier Soccer League (@WPSL) April 22, 2023

Not only is the WPSL older than the NWSL, but it’s also way bigger, too. Currently, there are 130 teams in the league. With a team in 31 states and several in Canada, the WPSL is another thing the NWSL isn’t–international. The league is divided into four regions (West, Central, South, and East) and has a team in all but one of the U.S.’s major metropolitan cities. A couple of their teams have been in the league for as long as it’s been around! 

The WPSL is an amateur league dedicated to developing the best teams and players possible. The WPSL is an incredible place for amateur players to sharpen their skills and keep playing the world’s favorite game. Players come from all walks of life.

In fact, 70% of the players in the WPSL are student-athletes at top-tier universities. Despite student-athletes being the dominating force, there are plenty of international and post-grad players as well. Making the WPSL a place for anyone who loves the game and wants to get better. 

There are quite a few reputable alumnae of the WPSL currently playing for some of the top teams in the world. USWNT top dogs Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan played together on the Seattle Sounders women’s team in 2012. Before joining the Washington Spirit in the NWSL, Rose Lavelle played for the Dayton Dutch Lions. Over 50% of WPSL players have been selected in the NWSL draft in the last five years. You can’t play a game of duck, duck, goose in the NWSL without tapping someone who has played for the WPSL. 

A record 34 #WPSLAlumnae were selected in last night's @NWSL Draft with 25 WPSL Teams being represented!

Here's where each landed 👇#HerGame || #WPSLAlumnae pic.twitter.com/jcWGwSZ5yd

— Women’s Premier Soccer League (@WPSL) January 13, 2023

What’s more, Girls Soccer Network partnered with one of the WPSL’s teams, Miss Kick FC, as an official kit sleeve sponsor last year. The team, out of Los Angeles, had its first season last year.

The Women’s Premier Soccer League season starts this weeked with matches in the West Coast Division. It will run through early July. With its size and huge talent base, there’s no reason not to be a fan of the WPSL. Odds are there is a team in your town, or very nearby! It’s time to start supporting amateur and up-and-coming players before they make it big time. 

Featured image via @WPSL on Twitter

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