What’s going on with the NWSL?

[Anonymous]

We had 2 NWSL teams collapse last year (FC Kansas City and Boston Breakers). At Washington Spirit, the head coach was fired, they have yet to replace him, Lynch either did sell or is in talks to sell the majority of its shares to Baldwin, and their record is 2-17-5. They have won 2 games. The only reason they aren’t last in line is because Sky Blue FC only won 1 – another club that is deep in trouble (https://deadspin.com/the-nwsls-sky-blue-fc-is-falling-apart-on-the-field-an-1828043155).

This one has certainly done better than its predecessors, but there are some warning signs that this league is struggling.

So I do have my own theories, but wonder what everyone else has to say about the struggle of female professional soccer leagues (since this is our 3rd run at it).

[SpiritVAParent]

This site has excellent women’s soccer coverage.
https://equalizersoccer.com
I haven't listened to the latest podcast yet, but it’s about the NWSL and probably some of the issues you’ve raised.

[Anonymous]

SpiritVAParent wrote:This site has excellent women’s soccer coverage.
https://equalizersoccer.com
I haven't listened to the latest podcast yet, but it’s about the NWSL and probably some of the issues you’ve raised.

Great! I'll check it out. What are your thoughts? I'm really interested in the opinions of us common folk who are watching these teams and have an interest in the women's pro league.

[Anonymous]

Of course, Spirit was in the NWSL final a couple of years ago. I think attendance was better this year, with a record number for the game at Audi, than it was in the year they went to the final. They are getting roughly break even attendance at games now, but I think the problem is lack of public interest in general. There’s a very small overlap between the DCU fan base and Spirit. Still lots of sexist people who don’t view women’s sports as legitimate. This isn’t just a problem here, it’s even more rampant in some other parts of the world. Viewership has been growing, though, so with continued interest in the women’s side of the sport and the USWNT’s continued dominance there is a good chance the trajectory holds as long as the owners can hang on. The next two years should be a better for them with the Women’s World Cup and Olympics, just like previous cycles.

[Anonymous]

I can’t believe that the players couldn’t get along with Jim Gabarra, who is a very nice reasonable man for the most part.
Seems like players must be getting high maintenanc these days.

[Anonymous]

Spirit traded several good strong players to get Mal Pugh and other young good players in the draft. They will probably do better in a couple years after the team matures.

[Anonymous]

NWSL needs to make more $, sell more fan gear, make t-shirts and jerseys available at Dicks and other sporting goods store. They have a marketing/branding issue along with all the other issues.