<p>This past weekend, the National Women’s Soccer League (<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nwsl-tv-schedule-and-streaming-links/">NWSL</a>) hit a new record for attendance in a single season. For the first time in the 11-year history of the league, total match attendance surpassed 1.5 million people. Impressively, the league still has ample time left in the 2024 season. Each team has only played out of its 26 matches, meaning there are still 49 games to bring that total up.</p>



<p>NWSL sides hit this benchmark during the Chicago Red Stars game against the Orlando Pride at SeatGeek Stadium. The previous record for one season in the NWSL was 1,424,208. The Red Stars were also involved in the game that beat that record against Angel City. That new record came last weekend on Sep. 1. This is not an <a href="https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/nwsl-2024-regular-season-attendance-record-alex-morgan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anomaly of strong attendance</a>. The NWSL has continued to grow its in-game audience year after year. This is the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/nwsl-sets-attendance-record-with-month-still-left-of-season-20230909-WST-455127.html">third year in a row</a> the league has surpassed 1 million in attendance at games.</p>



<p>Yet, the expansion of the league with the addition of further teams has given more fans increased opportunities to watch top-flight women’s soccer. Bay FC and the Utah Royals joined the NWSL this season to bring the total number of teams up to 14. Regardless, the individuals, teams and storylines this year have worked wonders for the league’s success. For example, Alex Morgan’s retirement and final game, which was this past weekend with the San Diego Wave, drew 26,516 out to SnapDragon Stadium. That was a larger audience than when Manchester United played at the stadium in a preseason friendly. </p>



<p>The league fully expects to surpass 2 million in total attendance by the end of the year. The current <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/nwsls-ambition-is-to-be-more-like-nfl/">average attendance</a> per game is 11,500. Should the NWSL follow that mark through the end of the campaign, it will surpass 2 million in attendance for the first time. Then, the playoffs will put the final touches on a massive successful season. Like the regular season, there are more games in the playoffs with an expanded quarterfinal round. That starts Nov. 8-10.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/16033059/NWSL-fans-selfie-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-527780" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



<h2>NWSL attendance shows continued success in recent seasons</h2>



<p>Attendance is an easy way to show how well the league is doing. Based on the league’s growth, the NWSL was always going to break its attendance record. The number of games and teams that the league now has simply make it more available. It remains an impressive statistic to pull 1.5 million fans to games given where the league is at in the season. </p>



<p>That, combined with the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/nwsl-kicks-off-new-era-aboard-a-landmark-broadcast-deal/">TV and streaming rights deal</a> that the NWSL has started this season, shows the league is in a great place. Competition is coming with the USL Super League, a new division one women’s soccer league in the United States. The USL Super League only started up recently. It remains unclear how the two leagues will do <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/nwsl-follows-usl-super-league-decision-to-eliminate-draft/">sharing the market</a>. However, the NWSL will rightly tout its strong audiences throughout the 2024 season as it enters the closing stages ahead of the NWSL Playoffs this fall.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em>.</p>


NWSL breaks attendance record for women's soccer

This past weekend, the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) hit a new record for attendance in a single season.

NWSL breaks attendance record for women's soccer - World Soccer Talk

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<p>As the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) resumes following its Olympic break, the league has witnessed several significant changes. Among the most notable is the hiring of Landon Donovan as the interim head coach of the San Diego Wave. The decision to appoint Donovan, a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/usmnt-tv-schedule/">USMNT</a> legend, has sparked discussions and concerns; particularly from <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/uswnt-tv-schedule/">USWNT</a> defender and Portland Thorns captain Becky Sauerbrunn.</p>



<p>Landon Donovan’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/landon-donovan-lands-new-job-as-nwsl-giants-interim-coach/">transition into coaching in the NWSL</a> comes as a surprise to many; given his lack of experience in the women’s game. The ex-striker has a long history of playing men’s soccer, including successful stints with the LA Galaxy and the USA. Despite that, he readily admits that coaching in the NWSL comes with a “steep” learning curve. </p>



<p>Speaking to <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/40919724/donovan-learning-curve-san-diego-wave-interim-coach" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESPN</a>, Donovan admitted, “I have a baseline, I know a lot of the players here [in San Diego] from watching them throughout the last few seasons, but the rest of the league…I’m going to have to lean on people, and I’m getting up to speed fast. I’ve watched a ton of film in the last two weeks trying to understand the league better.”</p>



<p>This honest admission has done little to ease concerns, particularly from those within the women’s soccer community; especially the ones who feel that coaching in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/nwsls-ambition-is-to-be-more-like-nfl/">NWSL</a> requires a deep understanding of the league’s unique dynamics.</p>



<h2>Becky Sauerbrunn reveals concerns about Landon Donovan with Wave</h2>



<p>Becky Sauerbrunn, a stalwart of the USWNT and one of the most respected voices in the sport, has openly questioned the decision to hire Donovan. Speaking on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=k9nu60Vip4XnJsLh&amp;v=d7FZiY0BwdY&amp;feature=youtu.be" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Good Vibes FC podcast</a> alongside former USWNT star Sam Mewis, Sauerbrunn highlighted the challenges Donovan might face due to his lack of experience in the women’s game.</p>



<p>“I don’t know a lot about Landon, but I don’t think he has that experience of living the women’s game, of the ups and downs that we’ve gone through, both as a sport, as a league in the NWSL, as players,” Sauerbrunn remarked. Her concerns stem from the significant differences between the NWSL and MLS, where Donovan has spent most of his career.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/16033851/Landon-Donovan-NWSL-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-524177" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



<p>Sauerbrunn also speculated on the motivations behind San Diego Wave’s decision to appoint Donovan. “I wonder what San Diego’s goals are for these last 10 games,” she said. “I think that might make more sense why they hired Landon. Like, maybe Landon’s coming in as somebody to inject that motivation or have some change and something new and like, ‘Let’s just add a different X-factor into this combination and see what happens.&apos;”</p>



<p>The 39-year-old added that having experience coaching women’s soccer isn’t necessary to be successful in the NWSL. However, she stressed that the position becomes “exceedingly more difficult” when a coach is unfamiliar with the players, the league, and the surrounding atmosphere.</p>



<h2>What did Donovan say?</h2>



<p>Donovan has been candid about the challenges ahead, noting that the transition will involve “lots of bumps on the road”. Nonetheless, he remains optimistic about the potential progress the team can make under his guidance. “You will not see a team that’s perfect tomorrow by any means, but there will be progress. I think it will be clear to see,” <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/landon-donovan-admits-steep-nwsl-learning-curve-prioritizing-team-identity-ahead-of-first-wave-fc-match/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the manager stated</a>. He also expressed his intention to approach the role with bravery and a willingness to adapt.</p>



<p>The 42-year-old did not shy away from addressing the speculation that his NWSL role might be a stepping stone to future opportunities, particularly in MLS. “I’ve been offered four MLS jobs in my life since I started coaching and turned down all of them,” he revealed. “One is, in no particular order, I love San Diego. I love working with good people…I don’t worry about the next job or the next gig or what this means, or the stepping stone.”</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>


USWNT star raises concerns about Wave hiring Donovan

The decision to have Landon Donovan join the San Diego Wave has been questioned by several, including Becky Sauerbrunn.

<p>As the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season came to a close on Saturday, Gotham FC completed an improbable run from the depths of the league to the summit by defeating the OL Reign 2-1 in the championship game.</p>



<p>It was meant to be a sendoff for legends <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/uswnt-sends-off-megan-rapinoe-with-win-in-final-game-20230925-WST-458350.html">Megan Rapinoe</a> and Ali Krieger in the most anticipated <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nwsl-tv-schedule-and-streaming-links/">NWSL championship</a> game in the league’s short existence. </p>



<p>However, the plot of the game was abruptly altered by the early injury to Rapinoe.</p>



<p>In the third minute of a scoreless contest, Rapinoe fell down with an injury that wasn’t caused by contact. She made a run at <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/gotham-fc-tv-schedule/">Gotham</a>‘s Maitane Lopez, who was dribbling just beyond the penalty area when she abruptly fell down.</p>



<p>After lying on the field for almost two minutes, the 38-year-old athlete was eventually helped up by the training personnel. After that, she returned to the Reign’s bench at Snapdragon Stadium by walking along the sideline.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="409" height="471" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/16053302/image-6-409x471.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-469551" sizes="(max-width: 409px) 100vw, 409px"></figure></div><figcaption>Megan Rapinoe montage after her last game</figcaption></figure>



<p>Ali Krieger of Gotham FC and the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/uswnt-tv-schedule/">U.S. Women’s National Team</a>, who is also retiring from the sport like Rapinoe, went up to give her a hug at the conclusion of the game. The veteran winger’s injury was not immediately known to be serious. In a postgame interview with CBS, the Olympic gold medalist, however, revealed that she may have ruptured her Achilles tendon in the incident.</p>



<p>Despite the match being promoted as a battle between legends Rapinoe and Krieger, it was the latter who ended up on top, lifting her first NWSL title in her 18-year-old career.</p>



<h2>Gotham’s new signings overshone veterans’ efforts</h2>



<p>Interestingly, the New Jersey club had the worst record in the whole National Women’s Soccer League a year ago, finishing at the bottom of the table. Gotham made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history thanks to some key personnel changes, a new coaching staff, and an overhauled attitude.</p>



<p>On Saturday in San Diego, two of the new recruits shone as unsung heroes. One of them was Lynn Williams, a two-time NWSL champion who was acquired in a trade with Kansas City on draft day.</p>



<p>Williams matched Kristen Hamilton for the most NWSL championships finals played when she took the field for Gotham in this, her fifth appearance. However, with the victory, she became the league’s first four-time champion, a feat that had never been accomplished before. She significantly contributed to that achievement by opening the scoring in the 24th minute.</p>



<p>Five minutes later, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/ol-reign-tv-schedule/">OL Reign</a> midfielder Rose Lavelle replied with a goal of her own, a beautiful left-footed effort that beat goalie Mandy Haught. Then, Esther Gonzalez scored in first-half stoppage time to give Gotham the lead for good after the Seattle opponents had tied the game.</p>



<h2>Contest peaked in dying minutes</h2>



<p>There was a lot of tension in the game’s closing minutes. Gotham FC almost lost control of the clash after their goalie Mandy Haught was sent out in extra time, but they were able to hang on to their advantage.</p>



<p>After the <a href="https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/var-101" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first-ever VAR review</a> in NWSL Championship history, Haught was sent off for a handball infraction and the evident missed goal-scoring chance that resulted from the play. After all of Gotham’s subs were used up, defensive back Nealy Martin suited up in goal.</p>



<p>Reign midfielder Rose Lavelle took the subsequent free kick, but it was blocked by a group of players before it could reach the back of the goal. A few seconds later, the referee sounded the final whistle, officially giving Gotham the win.</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire</p>


Rapinoe forced to exit early as Gotham secure first NWSL title

On Saturday, Gotham FC beat Megan Rapinoe's OL Reign 2-1, forcing her to leave her final game in her professional career with an injury.

Rapinoe forced to exit early as Gotham secure first NWSL title - World Soccer Talk

<p>The NWSL released its Joint Investigation findings on misconduct, harassment and discrimination in the league. Covington &amp; Burling LLP and Weil, Gotshal &amp; Manges LLP <a href="https://www.cov.com/-/media/files/corporate/publications/file_repository/report-of-the-nwsl-and-nwslpa-joint-investigative-team.pdf">led the investigation</a>. </p>



<p>Together, they found that over half of NWSL clubs had a history of misconduct. The report listed out eight clubs out of the 12-team league. That includes the previously reported incidents involving <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/10/03/us-soccer-releases-report-detailing-abusive-behavior-in-nwsl/">Paul Riley, Rory Dames and Christy Holly</a>. Yet, the findings extend beyond just a handful of instances of abuse, harassment and discrimination.</p>



<p>The NWSL Joint Investigation stated the underlying culture of NWSL created fertile ground for misconduct to go unreported. The league, which only launched in 2012, was fragile and financially unstable. For many of the players, it was their best chance to play professional women’s soccer. Therefore, executives and coaches told the players to feel grateful for the opportunity just to play, and essentially do anything to ensure the league, and their careers, stayed on its feet. Players said this culture of the NWSL dissuaded them from reporting misconduct.</p>



<p>Also, players and coaches never had training over what constituted abuse or misconduct. Nor did the players know where or when to report it. </p>



<p>Additional, the NWSL Joint Investigation listed out recommendations. Summed up, that includes a total overhaul and systemic reform. </p>



<h2>NWSL Joint Investigation labels eight clubs with misconduct in recent past</h2>



<p>Most people knew of the issues with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2021/10/06/nwsl-players-halt-play-in-solidarity-moment/">Paul Riley</a>, Rory Dames and Christy Holly. The investigation team went further into the misconduct of NWSL. The misconduct identified around five other teams revolves around sexual misconduct, inappropriate relationships with players, the blurring of professional boundaries, racially insensitive remarks, inappropriate statements about players’ weight and body types and other forms of emotional misconduct, and retaliation for reporting misconduct.</p>



<p>The Washington Spirit and And Kansas City Current, for example, had sections in the report over the futility in speaking against coaches. For KC Current head coach Huw Williams actively got rid of players that spoke against him in a club meeting. </p>



<p>Another concern was the lack of vetting and investigation NWSL previously undertook. For example, the Racing Louisville failed to look deep into Christy Holly’s treatment of players in its hiring process. Then, NWSL’s Paul Riley investigation in 2015 only revealed ‘poor judgment,’ but no explanation for this characterization.</p>



<h5>Recommendations</h5>



<p>As a result, the NWSL Joint Investigation laid out a number of recommendations for the league to take to counteract these issues in the future. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nwsl-tv-schedule-and-streaming-links/">NWSL</a> is working towards a few of them. For instance, the report wants to strengthen anti-harassment policies, something the league claimed it has been doing over the past 14 months. </p>



<p>Also, the report wants the league to make guidelines and definitions of harassment more clear and available. The league has plans to do that for the 2023 season, which starts in just a few months.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire</em></p>


NWSL Joint Investigation finds underlying misconduct culture

The NWSL Joint Investigation revealed jarring information regarding the league, including systemic harassment in more than half of the clubs.

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NWSL Joint Investigation finds underlying misconduct culture

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