It’s been a busy, and at times hectic, offseason for the NWSL. But as a growing league, both should be expected and desired. The league courted controversy last year for substandard playing conditions, the WNY Flash vs. Seattle Reign playing on an undersized field and, as is course throughout professional sports, taking a stand in the tumultuous political situation of the country.
This offseason, both the WNY Flash and Kansas City were sold to new owners, with the former being moved and renamed the North Carolina Courage. Several marquee players, such as Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd and Crystal Dunn, have left the league with either permanent moves or short term loans.
So it is likely with great relief to the league, and its fans, that they can turn the page on the offseason and begin to focus on league play. On Wednesday the NWSL announced the home openers for each of the 10 clubs, with it all kicking off on April 15th.
Here is a look at the full details of home openers for each club from the league’s press release.
Saturday, April 15
Houston Dash vs. Chicago Red Stars (BBVA Compass Stadium)
Portland Thorns FC vs. Orlando Pride — Lifetime’s Game of the Week at 3 PM ET (Providence Park)
Seattle Reign FC vs. Sky Blue FC (Memorial Stadium)
Washington Spirit vs. North Carolina Courage (Maryland SoccerPlex)
Sunday, April 16
FC Kansas City vs. Boston Breakers (Swope Soccer Village)
Saturday, April 22
Chicago Red Stars vs. FC Kansas City (Toyota Park)
North Carolina Courage vs. Portland Thorns FC (WakeMed Soccer Park)
Orlando Pride vs. Washington Spirit — Unconfirmed, but likely Lifetime's Game of the Week at 4 PM ET (Orlando City Stadium)
Sunday, April 23
Boston Breakers vs. Sky Blue FC (Jordan Field)
Sunday, April 30
Sky Blue FC vs. FC Kansas City (Yurcak Field)
The standout match from the league’s opening weekend is the Portland vs. Orlando tie. Not only does Providence Park typically offer the best crowds in the NWSL, but it will also mark the debut of the new television deal.
The agreement with A+E Networks will put a Game of the Week on the Lifetime channel every Saturday. This first consistent cable TV deal will be taken a step further by the inclusion of a thirty-minute prematch show each week.
Even with a few star player defections, 2017 looks to be an upward year for the NWSL. With a TV deal that helps raise the league’s profile, two expansion teams expected to be announced during the season and another year of stabilizing and growing local fan bases, it’s onwards and upwards for the league.
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