This weekend, all eyes will be on Kansas City, Missouri as the Orlando Pride and the Washington Spirit prepare to face off in the NWSL championship on Sunday. The game will take place at the CPKC Stadium, marking a historic moment for the NWSL as the stadium has raised the standard for a club’s stadium experience. With a capacity of 11,500 seats, the Current became the first NWSL club to sell out every home game in the regular season.
The opening of CPKC Stadium has sparked a larger conversation about infrastructure in the NWSL. While privately financing a stadium may not be feasible for all clubs, the success of the Current highlights the importance of investing in infrastructure. League commissioner Jessica Berman has emphasized the need to address infrastructure challenges as a critical long-term goal for the NWSL.
Shared facilities have been a common practice in the NWSL, with nine teams in the 2024 season sharing a venue with an MLS club. The Washington Spirit, however, has made strides in this area by securing Audi Field as its full-time home venue. The Spirit’s success, both on and off the field, demonstrates the impact of having a dedicated facility.
Issues have arisen for teams that are tenants rather than owners of their venues. The San Diego Wave FC, for example, had to move their final home match of the regular season due to poor playing conditions at Snapdragon Stadium. The Wave’s situation highlights the challenges faced by teams that lack control over their facilities.
Investing in training facilities is also crucial for player development. Clubs like the Utah Royals and Houston Dash have dedicated training spaces that help attract top talent. Expansion clubs like Bay FC and Angel City FC are also prioritizing the development of training facilities to support their players.
As the NWSL continues to expand, the importance of infrastructure planning becomes even more significant. New expansion teams, like BOS Nation FC in Boston and a potential team in Cleveland, are exploring public-private partnerships to secure stadium locations. These developments underscore the need for long-term planning and investment in infrastructure to support the growth of the league.
In conclusion, the NWSL is at a pivotal moment in its evolution, with infrastructure playing a crucial role in shaping the future of the league. As teams continue to invest in dedicated facilities and training spaces, the NWSL is poised for continued growth and success on and off the field.
