NWSL Championship 2025 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 2025

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 (2025)
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 2025 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 2025 (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
2025 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 2025

Prize Money and Awards

Year Prize Money MVP Winner
2025 $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
2025 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
2025 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
2025 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 2025 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
2025 First title for Orlando Pride Orlando Pride

NWSL Championship Expansion and Future

Year Teams Added New Format Changes
2025 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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