NWSL Shatters Attendance Records in Historic 2024 Season
What a year it’s been for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)! The league didn’t just grow in size this season—it grew in every way that matters. From record-breaking attendance numbers to jaw-dropping TV viewership, the NWSL is proving that women’s soccer is here to stay and thrive. Let’s break it all down because, trust me, this season was one for the history books.
Attendance Hits All-Time Highs
First things first: the NWSL set a brand-new attendance record in 2024. According to a report from Sports Business Journal, clubs averaged 11,250 fans per game, which is a six percent increase compared to 2023. That’s not just a small bump—it’s a sign of a league on the rise. And here’s the kicker: for the first time in its 12-season history, the NWSL surpassed two million fans in total attendance. Yes, you read that right—two million! That’s a staggering 44 percent jump from 2023 and an eye-popping 96 percent increase from 2022. Talk about growth!
So, what’s driving this surge? Well, the league expanded to 14 teams this year, up from 12 in 2023, which naturally brought more games and more opportunities for fans to pack the stands. But it’s not just about quantity—it’s about quality. The NWSL is delivering a product that fans can’t get enough of, and the numbers back it up.
Big Crowds, Big Moments
Let’s talk about some of the standout moments from this season. A total of 89 matches had at least 10,000 fans in attendance, smashing the previous year’s mark of 55 matches. That’s nearly double the number of games drawing five-figure crowds! And it wasn’t just about showing up in person—14 million viewers tuned into regular-season matches on television. The NWSL is becoming a must-watch event, whether you’re in the stadium or on your couch.
One of the most jaw-dropping moments came courtesy of the Chicago Red Stars. They saw the biggest attendance increase among all teams, thanks in part to a marquee matchup against Bay FC. That game drew an NWSL record crowd of 35,038 fans at Wrigley Field. Yes, Wrigley Field—the iconic home of the Chicago Cubs—was packed for women’s soccer. If that doesn’t scream “mainstream,” I don’t know what does. You can read more about that historic game here.
Angel City and Kansas City Lead the Way
When it comes to overall attendance, Angel City FC continues to set the gold standard. The Los Angeles-based club averaged a league-best 19,313 fans per game at BMO Stadium. That’s nearly double the league average and a testament to the incredible support for women’s soccer in Southern California.
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Current made waves of their own. They sold out every single home game in their brand-new, 11,500-seat stadium. And as if that wasn’t enough, they hosted the NWSL Championship game, where the Orlando Pride edged out the Washington Spirit in a thrilling 1-0 victory. The Pride’s win marked their first-ever NWSL championship, and the celebrations were nothing short of electric. You can relive the moment here.
Why This Matters
So, why should you care about these numbers? Because they’re more than just stats—they’re a sign of a cultural shift. Women’s sports, and women’s soccer in particular, are finally getting the recognition they deserve. The NWSL’s growth isn’t just good for the league—it’s good for sports as a whole. It’s proof that when you invest in women’s sports, the fans will show up, the ratings will climb, and the game will grow.
As we look ahead to 2025, the question isn’t whether the NWSL can keep this momentum going—it’s how far they can take it. With new teams, new fans, and new opportunities on the horizon, the sky’s the limit. One thing’s for sure: if you’re not already paying attention to the NWSL, now’s the time to start. This league is on fire, and it’s only getting hotter.
Originally Written by: Field Level Media
