How the NWSL became the world’s most innovative league

League commissioner Jessica Berman talks ballooning franchise values, the merits of expansion and reducing injuries

No soccer league in the world is experiencing a boom comparative to the NWSL in 2024. Last month, the world's first purpose-built stadium for a women's sports franchise opened in Kansas City, marking the new home of the Current. San Diego Wave broke its NWSL home opener attendance record with over 32,000 fans, while the NWSL was listed at No 5 on the World's 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2024.

At the NWSL we are working to drive innovation, growth and increased investment in women's soccer," Jessica Berman, the NWSL's commissioner, tells the Guardian. I'm excited about the 2024 season and to see what else we can accomplish in the women's soccer space."