US Championship. USL. Super League. Women
The USL Super League Women is a professional women's soccer league in the United States, launched in 2024 under the United Soccer League umbrella. Positioned as the second tier below the NWSL, it aims to expand professional opportunities for players and boost women's soccer popularity across the country. The league features teams from diverse regions, emphasizing talent development and high-level competitive matches.
History and foundation
The USL Super League Women kicked off in August 2024 with ambitions to become the premier second-division league. It evolved from USL's successful men's leagues like USL Championship and League One. The inaugural season includes eight clubs such as Dallas Trinity FC, Orlando Pride II, and Tampa Bay Sun FC. It garnered immediate attention with broadcasts on ESPN+ and CBS Sports Golazo, plus partnerships with Nike. Notably, co-founder Mark Armstrong, a veteran coach with women's national teams, adds credibility. Expansion to 12-16 teams by 2026 is on the horizon, solidifying its role in U.S. soccer's pyramid.
Tournament format
The league follows a single round-robin format: each of the eight teams plays 14 matches (7 home, 7 away). The top four from the regular season advance to playoffs featuring quarterfinals, semifinals, and a grand final to crown the champion. The season runs from March to November, with breaks for internationals. Games are hosted at stadiums holding 5,000 to 15,000 fans, prioritizing accessibility.
Interesting facts
In the debut season, average goal tally hit 2.8 per match, highlighting an attacking ethos. Dallas Trinity FC's forward led scoring with 9 regular-season goals. Standouts include Tampa Bay Sun keeper Brooke Hendrix (8 clean sheets), ex-NWSL midfielder Maria Sanchez, and Carolina FC's young star with a hat-trick against Hudson Valley Hammers. The league draws U.S., Mexican, and European talent, nurturing national team prospects.