The current landscape of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) showcases an electrifying spirit of ambition and growth. Ambition, according to the Cambridge Dictionary, reflects a strong desire to achieve something significant. This sentiment has driven a transformative period for the NWSL, particularly with a record $110 million expansion fee for the new Denver franchise, reflecting a dramatic increase over previous years.
With soaring valuations leading to extensive investments across the league, teams exhibit varying levels of ambition, marked by not only financial commitment but also strategic vision. Some franchises dedicate considerable resources and present a clear path toward future success, while others grapple with uncertainty, risking stagnation.
NWSL Ambition Rankings 2025
This article introduces the second annual NWSL Ambition Rankings, inspired by the late Grant Wahl’s impactful work in the realm of soccer. This year, we reached out to all 14 NWSL teams, inviting them to share insights about their ambitions, supported by hard data. Responses varied, sparking an exciting evaluation of teams’ readiness for the competitive future that lies ahead.
The evaluation criteria comprised several pivotal categories, all scored on a 1-5 scale:
- Willingness to spend on players
- Investment in stadium and training facilities
- Creativity and innovative approaches
- Long-term vision for the club
- Staffing investment on and off the field
- Local media relevance and attendance
Each club’s performance is assessed relative to the ambitions of others in the league. These rankings account for both expressed goals and tangible accomplishments since last year.
2025 Rankings Overview
14. Houston Dash
The Dash struggled significantly over the past year and are publicly seeking new ownership, raising doubts about their future. Despite a promising offseason, the team appears to lack a cohesive long-term vision.
- Player spend: 4
- Facilities: 4
- Creativity: 3
- Long-term vision: 1
- Staffing: 3
- Local relevance: 2
Total: 17/30
13. Chicago Stars FC
Having improved slightly, the Stars show potential for growth, but face challenges regarding their stadium situation which may affect their long-term prospects.
- Player spend: 3
- Facilities: 3.5
- Creativity: 3
- Long-term vision: 4
- Staffing: 3.5
- Local relevance: 2.5
Total: 19.5/30
12. Utah Royals
Following a challenging re-entry into the league, the Royals displayed signs of progress with increased spending, although clarity in their long-term identity remains elusive.
- Player spend: 3
- Facilities: 4
- Creativity: 3
- Long-term vision: 3
- Staffing: 3.5
- Local relevance: 3.5
Total: 20/30
T-10. North Carolina Courage
The Courage have made strides with their roster but struggle to maintain relevance in local attendance and facility quality.
- Player spend: 3.5
- Facilities: 4
- Creativity: 3
- Long-term vision: 3
- Staffing: 3.5
- Local relevance: 3.5
Total: 20.5/30
T-10. Racing Louisville FC
Despite a stellar facility record, Racing Louisville faces struggles in crowd engagement and overall performance consistency.
- Player spend: 4
- Facilities: 5
- Creativity: 3.5
- Long-term vision: 2
- Staffing: 3
- Local relevance: 3
Total: 20.5/30
9. Seattle Reign FC
With a clearer offseason picture and key player acquisitions, the Reign appear positioned to enhance their stature, albeit with significant challenges in local attendance.
- Player spend: 3.5
- Facilities: 3.5
- Creativity: 4
- Long-term vision: 4
- Staffing: 4
- Local relevance: 3
Total: 22/30
The article continues to elaborate on other teams, emphasizing the dynamic shifts among franchises aiming to elevate their standings in this competitive league. Each team’s evaluation offers insight into their operational strategies and aspirations as women’s soccer gains increased prominence in the sports landscape.
