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Forbes
21 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
The Cities That Believe In Women's Soccer, And The NWSL, The Most
Earlier this week, Forbes released its 2025 list of the National Women's Soccer League's (NWSL) most valuable teams. The release of the list comes in the wake of a year of record-setting attendance for NWSL clubs across the league with a six percent increase in attendance compared to the previous season. The league also welcomed Bay FC and the Utah Royals for their inaugural season. Together, these milestones underscore the league's accelerating momentum, not just on the pitch, but in the boardroom, where team valuations are beginning to reflect a growing belief in the commercial power of women's soccer. This belief is not evenly distributed across the league. By comparing NWSL and Major League Soccer (MLS) team valuations in cities where both leagues operate, we can see clear patterns in investment and market confidence. Using the MLS team as a baseline also helps control for the overall level of soccer interest, infrastructure, and market potential in each city, making it easier to isolate where women's soccer is outperforming or underperforming relative to local conditions. Some cities are rapidly embracing the business potential of women's soccer, with NWSL teams that exceed expectations relative to their MLS counterparts. There are 11 U.S. cities that host franchises in both the NWSL and Major League Soccer: Los Angeles, Kansas City, San Jose, Washington, D.C., Portland, New York City, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Orlando, Houston, and Chicago. Using the most recent team valuations from Forbes, published in June 2025 for the NWSL and February 2025 for the MLS, I compiled a city-level dataset comparing each NWSL club with its MLS counterpart. To better understand the relationship between team values across leagues, I ran a linear regression using MLS team value as the independent variable and NWSL team value as the dependent variable. This produced a trend line that reflects the average market relationship between the two leagues. Cities where NWSL team values exceed the trend line are considered to be outperforming expectations relative to their MLS peers, while those below the line are underperforming. Los Angeles and New York City each have two MLS franchises, but for the purposes of this analysis, I selected the higher-valued club in each market to align with the NWSL team. In Los Angeles, LAFC serves as the logical counterpart to Angel City FC, given their affiliation. Given LAFC's significantly valuation compared to the LA Galaxy, I used New York City FC as the MLS stand-in for New York City's Gotham FC, as it holds a higher valuation than the New York Red Bulls. Using a simple regression model, I estimated how much an NWSL team should be worth based on the value of its local MLS counterpart. On average, the model suggests that NWSL teams are valued at roughly 20% of their MLS equivalents. While that trend holds at the league level, the city-level picture reveals a more dynamic landscape. Los Angeles and Kansas City emerge as clear overperformers in this analysis. Angel City FC, now the most valuable team in the NWSL, holds a valuation equal to 22.4% of LAFC's, the more valuable of the city's two MLS franchises. The Kansas City Current have surpassed expectations even more dramatically. With a valuation at 42.3% of Sporting Kansas City's, the Current have redefined the ceiling for investment in women's soccer, driven by aggressive private funding and the league's first purpose-built stadium. Bay FC also outpaces the national average, reaching 31.5% of the San Jose Earthquakes' valuation despite being in its inaugural season. The club's early momentum will be on full display later this summer when it hosts the Washington Spirit in the first NWSL game ever played in an MLB stadium. Meanwhile, the Utah Royals, another expansion franchise returning to the league, are tracking close to the leaguewide average relative to Real Salt Lake. For a newly reconstituted club, this signals strong early alignment with broader league investment trends. As the NWSL continues to expand and attract new investors, this kind of market-by-market analysis will become even more important. It not only highlights where women's soccer is flourishing but also surfaces where there is still untapped potential. If the league's current trajectory holds, today's valuation gaps may become tomorrow's growth stories, and the cities investing early will be the ones setting the standard.
Axios
2 days ago
- Sport
- Axios
Bay Area sports: Valkyries find their cadence, Giants pitching success
The Golden State Valkyries aren't doing so hot, but that doesn't mean a clearer picture of the team's identity hasn't emerged. The latest: The Valks are 2-4, losing three straight after playing the two teams who were in the WNBA Finals last year — the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx. Rookie forward Janelle Salaün is proving a consistent three-point scorer, while forward Kayla Thornton is tied for the league lead, averaging 2.3 steals per game. What they're saying: "It is very clear what the identity of Golden State is," Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeves said Sunday after the Lynx beat the Valkyries 86-55. "They shoot threes, they play defense and protect the paint. And they out-effort people with the effort at every position, with everybody that comes into the game." What to watch: Kate Martin scored a career high of 14 points on Sunday but is still struggling to get her footing. Fun fact: Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski is a fierce Valkyries fan, making courtside appearances at home games in lavender pants. The bottom line:"I'm trying to get them to get the mindset of, let's just get 1% better every single day, just be in control of what we can control," Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase told ESPN. Here are some other notable happenings in San Francisco sports: Giants' pitching leads The Giants head into June with a major league-best 2.64 ERA despite now going 14 straight games without scoring more than four runs. Strong performances by pitchers Robbie Ray, Kyle Harrison and Hayden Birdsong helped elevate the team to a 4-2 win over the Miami Marlins on Sunday. They need to figure out their offense stat as they begin a seven-game home stretch Monday with four against the San Diego Padres and three against the Atlanta Braves. 49ers' offseason without their heavyweights Ahead of training camp, Jauan Jennings is the uncontested No. 1 wide receiver on the team. The other player who's been put in the spotlight is running back Christian McCaffrey, whose lack of speed in offseason activity has drawn concern. All eyes are on the expected dates of return for Brandon Aiyuk (torn ACL and MCL), Ricky Pearsall (hamstring injury), Ji'Ayir Brown (ankle procedure) and Malik Mustapha (ACL injury). Bay FC goes for the goals Bay FC currently sits at No. 11 out of the NWSL's 15 teams. Their aggressive possession-based offensive strategy, while often successful, has left them weaker on defense, sometimes leading to late-game goals. Racheal Kundananji, who was called up to Zambia's national team for matches from May 26 through June 3, remains a critical player on the field with her ability to draw defenders and steal passes.
Chicago Tribune
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Chicago Stars still winless at home after losing their 6th straight game
Temwa Chawinga scored her sixth goal of the season to lead the first-place Kansas City Current to a 3-1 road win over the Chicago Stars on Saturday night in the National Women's Soccer League. Elsewhere in the NWSL, the Houston Dash and Bay FC tied 2-2 and Racing Louisville came away 3-2 winners over Angel City. Kansas City (8-2-0) has now won three consecutive games and remains five points clear of the second-place Orlando Pride. The Current went in 2-0 up at halftime at SeatGeek Stadium on Bia Zaneratto's goal in the 34th minute and Chawinga's goal in the 41st, assisted by Zaneratto. Stars midfielder Shea Groom headed in Sam Stabb's free kick to make it 2-1 six minutes into the second half. But Kayla Sharples put the game beyond doubt by scoring a header to make it 3-1 in the 60th. Stars (1-8-1) goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher had to be subbed out in the 90th minute due to an injury. The Stars' winless streak now stands at six games and they fell to 0-5-0 at home. Messiah Bright came off the bench to score a late equalizer for the Houston Dash in a 2-2 tie against Bay FC at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. The goal was Bright's first since signing with the Dash during the offseason. Bright replaced Michelle Alozie in the 59th minute and initially struggled to make an impact. But with the score at 2-1, Bright drove into the box, cut onto her left foot and curled a low shot into the net in the 88th minute. Houston (3-5-2) had taken a 1-0 lead on Avery Patterson's strike from outside the box in the 33rd minute. Bay (3-4-3) scored two goals in four minutes in the second half for a 2-1 lead. Penelope Hocking scored in her third consecutive game when she spun away from pressure and fired the ball into the corner of the goal to make it 1-1 in the 53rd minute. Rachel Hill made it 2-1 in the 56th when she tapped the ball into an open net after Racheal Kundananji had stolen the ball from Paige Nielsen. Fights break out in stands after San Diego's dramatic 2-1 win over the Los Angeles GalaxyRacing Louisville held on for a 3-2 win over Angel City despite Kayla Fischer being shown a red card midway through the second half. Lousiville (4-4-2) has now won three of its last four games while Angel City (4-4-2) has lost two in a row. Taylor Flint put Louisville up 1-0 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles with a penalty kick in the 23rd minute. Rookie Riley Tiernan equalized for Angel City in the 48th minute. Emma Sears nodded the ball in from close range off of a corner kick in the 53rd minute and Savannah DeMelo made it 3-1 Racing Lousiville in the 56th. Fischer was sent off for a physical altercation with Madison Hammond inside the Louisville box in the 67th minute. Alyssa Thompson stepped up and converted the penalty kick for Angel City to make it 3-2.
25-05-2025
- Sport
Chawinga scores to lift first-place Current to 3-1 win over Stars
Temwa Chawinga scored her sixth goal of the season to lead the first-place Kansas City Current to a 3-1 road win over the Chicago Stars on Saturday night in the National Women's Soccer League. Elsewhere in the NWSL, the Houston Dash and Bay FC tied 2-2 and Racing Louisville came away 3-2 winners over Angel City. Kansas City (8-2-0) has now won three consecutive games and remains five points clear of the second-place Orlando Pride. The Current went in 2-0 up at halftime at SeatGeek Stadium on Bia Zaneratto's goal in the 34th minute and Chawinga's goal in the 41st, assisted by Zaneratto. Stars midfielder Shea Groom headed in Sam Stabb's free kick to make it 2-1 six minutes into the second half. But Kayla Sharples put the game beyond doubt by scoring a header to make it 3-1 in the 60th. Chicago (1-8-1) goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher had to be subbed out in the 90th minute due to an injury. Messiah Bright came off the bench to score a late equalizer for the Houston Dash in a 2-2 tie against Bay FC at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. The goal was Bright's first since signing with the Dash during the offseason. Bright replaced Michelle Alozie in the 59th minute and initially struggled to make an impact. But with the score at 2-1, Bright drove into the box, cut onto her left foot and curled a low shot into the net in the 88th minute. Houston (3-5-2) had taken a 1-0 lead on Avery Patterson's strike from outside the box in the 33rd minute. Bay (3-4-3) scored two goals in four minutes in the second half for a 2-1 lead. Penelope Hocking scored in her third consecutive game when she spun away from pressure and fired the ball into the corner of the goal to make it 1-1 in the 53rd minute. Rachel Hill made it 2-1 in the 56th when she tapped the ball into an open net after Racheal Kundananji had stolen the ball from Paige Nielsen. Racing Louisville held on for a 3-2 win over Angel City despite Kayla Fischer being shown a red card midway through the second half. Lousiville (4-4-2) has now won three of its last four games while Angel City (4-4-2) has lost two in a row. Taylor Flint put Louisville up 1-0 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles with a penalty kick in the 23rd minute. Rookie Riley Tiernan equalized for Angel City in the 48th minute. Emma Sears nodded the ball in from close range off of a corner kick in the 53rd minute and Savannah DeMelo made it 3-1 Racing Lousiville in the 56th. Fischer was sent off for a physical altercation with Madison Hammond inside the Louisville box in the 67th minute. Alyssa Thompson stepped up and converted the penalty kick for Angel City to make it 3-2.
Fox Sports
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Chawinga scores to lift first-place Current to 3-1 win over Stars
Associated Press Temwa Chawinga scored her sixth goal of the season to lead the first-place Kansas City Current to a 3-1 road win over the Chicago Stars on Saturday night in the National Women's Soccer League. Elsewhere in the NWSL, the Houston Dash and Bay FC tied 2-2 and Racing Louisville came away 3-2 winners over Angel City. Kansas City (8-2-0) has now won three consecutive games and remains five points clear of the second-place Orlando Pride. The Current went in 2-0 up at halftime at SeatGeek Stadium on Bia Zaneratto's goal in the 34th minute and Chawinga's goal in the 41st, assisted by Zaneratto. Stars midfielder Shea Groom headed in Sam Stabb's free kick to make it 2-1 six minutes into the second half. But Kayla Sharples put the game beyond doubt by scoring a header to make it 3-1 in the 60th. Chicago (1-8-1) goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher had to be subbed out in the 90th minute due to an injury. Bright scores first goal for Dash in 2-2 tie against Bay Messiah Bright came off the bench to score a late equalizer for the Houston Dash in a 2-2 tie against Bay FC at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. The goal was Bright's first since signing with the Dash during the offseason. Bright replaced Michelle Alozie in the 59th minute and initially struggled to make an impact. But with the score at 2-1, Bright drove into the box, cut onto her left foot and curled a low shot into the net in the 88th minute. Houston (3-5-2) had taken a 1-0 lead on Avery Patterson's strike from outside the box in the 33rd minute. Bay (3-4-3) scored two goals in four minutes in the second half for a 2-1 lead. Penelope Hocking scored in her third consecutive game when she spun away from pressure and fired the ball into the corner of the goal to make it 1-1 in the 53rd minute. Rachel Hill made it 2-1 in the 56th when she tapped the ball into an open net after Racheal Kundananji had stolen the ball from Paige Nielsen. 10-player Racing holds on for 3-2 win over Angel City Racing Louisville held on for a 3-2 win over Angel City despite Kayla Fischer being shown a red card midway through the second half. Lousiville (4-4-2) has now won three of its last four games while Angel City (4-4-2) has lost two in a row. Taylor Flint put Louisville up 1-0 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles with a penalty kick in the 23rd minute. Rookie Riley Tiernan equalized for Angel City in the 48th minute. Emma Sears nodded the ball in from close range off of a corner kick in the 53rd minute and Savannah DeMelo made it 3-1 Racing Lousiville in the 56th. Fischer was sent off for a physical altercation with Madison Hammond inside the Louisville box in the 67th minute. Alyssa Thompson stepped up and converted the penalty kick for Angel City to make it 3-2. ___ AP soccer:
