Ever since the USWNT’s iconic World Cup victory in 1999, women’s soccer has made progress, albeit at a gradual pace. When WSP (Women’s Professional Soccer) was launched in 2009, it aimed to improve the domestic league but internal challenges led to its downfall. Ever since the NWSL emerged, it adapted quickly to the sport, and as USWNT coach Emma Hayes put it, the league managed to sell itself. 

The league started in 2013 with 8 teams, 4 of which were carried over from the defunct WPS (Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, Sky Blue FC aka NJ/NY Gotham FC, and Western New York, later rebranded as North Carolina Courage). Speaking in an interview with ‘GirlsontheBall’, Hayes highlights how having the right people in the right roles at the right time was instrumental in the NWSL’s success.

“But what I think the NWSL has is some serious investors across the league that know how to sell football stadiums, that know how to sell an experience and I’ve been used to that from time out there,” said Hayes. Over the years, the NWSL has seen a steady rise in average attendance which has contributed to increased revenue. 

“I’ve been used to that from my time out there. So I’m sure it was probably much different from a WSL game, but it’s one that I think is welcome and fits with the culture” added Hayes. And she’s not wrong if compared to the WSL, a glance at the International roster for both sides reveals a lot of interesting facts. 

The USWNT is predominantly composed of domestic talent developed with the NWSL. In contrast, the current USMNT roster features just 4 players from the MLS, with Tim Ream being the only one to get playing time. With Mauricio Pochettino previously having praised the MLS for its standards, the question on everyone’s mind is: are the boys falling behind?

Is the NWSL simply better?

Taking a look at history, the USWNT has 4 World Cup titles to their name, in stark contrast to the USMNT, whose best finish was third place back in 1930. The men have struggled in recent years, not being able to make it past the cursed round of 16. This stark difference in success shows the disparity between the two teams. 

The U.S. Soccer recently received a $30 million gift from Washington Spirit owner and businesswoman Michele Kang, which will go the the youth development programs over the next 5 years. This is a huge boost to the women’s soccer scene, considering that in recent years, the USWNT has been the favorite to win major tournaments. 

With Emma Hayes’ side recently winning gold at the Paris Olympics, it seems that more trophies will be added to the impressive cabinet. On the other hand, USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino will be facing his toughest test in two years, the World Cup, which will take place in the North American continent. The pressure to perform at home will be immense and only time will tell how things go.