NWSL Championship 2024 Marta, Orlando Pride Claim 1st NWSL Championship in 1-0 Win Over Spirit

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Championship represents the pinnacle of women’s professional soccer in the United States. Since its establishment in 2012, the NWSL has grown in both talent and visibility, with teams from across the country competing to claim the coveted title. The competition format typically runs from March to November, culminating in a championship game that decides the winner of the NWSL. The NWSL Championship is the crown jewel of the league’s season, attracting top-tier teams that battle for glory and the title of best team in women’s professional soccer in North America.

NWSL Championship 2024

The league was founded as the successor to previous women’s soccer leagues and has made significant strides, drawing attention not only from domestic fans but also on the international stage. Through the years, a variety of teams have emerged as dominant forces in the league, including the Portland Thorns FC, North Carolina Courage, and more recently, NJ/NY Gotham FC and Orlando Pride. The championship game remains a highly anticipated event, watched by millions of fans, and continues to highlight the growing influence and importance of women’s sports in the U.S. Now, let’s explore the NWSL Championship through several detailed tables based on its current and historical standings, teams, players, and more.

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NWSL Championship Career

Championship Event
Facts
Established
2013
Format
Knockout play culminating in the final
Current Champion
Orlando Pride (2024)
Most Championships
Portland Thorns FC (3 titles)

NWSL Championship Format Evolution

Year
Format Changes
2013
First season, with 8 teams
2014-2020
Playoff structure included top 4 teams
2021-present
Top 8 teams qualify with quarter-finals added

Teams Competing in the 2024 NWSL Championship

Team
City
Orlando Pride
Orlando, Florida
Portland Thorns FC
Portland, Oregon
NJ/NY Gotham FC
Harrison, New Jersey
North Carolina Courage
Cary, North Carolina

NWSL Championship Participation by Team

Team
Times Participated
Last Title Won
Portland Thorns FC
5
2017
North Carolina Courage
4
2018
Orlando Pride
2
2024 (First)
NJ/NY Gotham FC
1
N/A

Top Scorers in NWSL Championship Matches

Player Name
Goals Scored
Team
Lynn Williams
10
North Carolina Courage
Tobin Heath
8
Portland Thorns FC
Kristen Hamilton
7
North Carolina Courage

NWSL Championship Best Attendance

Year
Attendance
Venue
2015
25,000
Toyota Park, Chicago
2022
18,000
Providence Park, Portland
2024
20,000
Camping World Stadium, Orlando

Highest Scoring Match

Year
Final Score
Teams Competing
2016
4-3
Western New York Flash vs. Washington Spirit
2019
3-2
North Carolina Courage vs. Chicago Red Stars

NWSL Championship Most Successful Teams

Team
Titles Won
Years Won
Portland Thorns FC
3
2013, 2017, 2021
North Carolina Courage
2
2018, 2020
Orlando Pride
1
2024

Prize Money and Awards

Year
Prize Money
MVP Winner
2024
$1 million
Crystal Dunn
2023
$500,000
Alex Morgan
2022
$600,000
Sophia Smith

NWSL Championship All-Time Top Goalkeepers

Player Name
Clean Sheets
Team
Adrianna Franch
15
North Carolina Courage
Nadine Angerer
12
Portland Thorns FC
Ashlyn Harris
10
Orlando Pride

NWSL Championship Television and Streaming Partners

Year
Broadcast Partners
Platform Coverage
2024
CBS Sports, ESPN, Prime Video
National TV + Streaming
2023
CBS Sports, ESPN, Amazon Prime
National TV + Streaming

NWSL Championship International Participation

Year
Teams in International Cup
Winners
2024
NJ/NY Gotham FC, San Diego Wave FC, Portland Thorns FC
San Diego Wave FC
2023
Portland Thorns FC, North Carolina Courage
Portland Thorns FC

Historical Playoff Structure

Year
Playoff Format
Final Teams
2013
Top 4 teams, no quarter-finals
Portland Thorns FC, Western New York Flash
2021
Top 6 teams, 2 byes to semi-finals
North Carolina Courage, Chicago Red Stars
2024
Top 8 teams, quarter-finals included
Orlando Pride, NJ/NY Gotham FC

Notable Players in NWSL Championship History

Player Name
Team
Contributions
Christine Sinclair
Portland Thorns FC
3 titles, top scorer
Abby Dahlkemper
North Carolina Courage
Key defender in 2 titles
Marta
Orlando Pride
MVP of 2024 Championship

Most Iconic NWSL Championship Moments

Year
Moment
Team
2017
Last-minute goal by Lindsey Horan
Portland Thorns FC
2019
Penalty shootout victory
North Carolina Courage
2024
First title for Orlando Pride
Orlando Pride

NWSL Championship Expansion and Future

Year
Teams Added
New Format Changes
2024
14 teams
Quarter-finals format
2026
15 teams
Playoff system reformed

NWSL Championship Summary

The NWSL Championship represents the highest level of women’s soccer in the United States, featuring top teams and elite talent. Over the years, the championship has evolved in its structure, with increased participation and media attention. Teams like the Portland Thorns FC and North Carolina Courage have set a high standard, while newer teams like Orlando Pride are quickly making their mark. The format continues to adjust, ensuring the best competition and the most exciting matches, with media coverage growing significantly, securing the future of the NWSL as a major force in global women’s soccer.

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