If parity is NWSL's 'superpower' vs. Europe competition, is expansion its kryptonite?

The NWSL is the most competitive women's soccer league in the world. Its unpredictable results are a key attraction. This has been true since its start in late 2012. Commissioner Jessica Berman calls this parity one of the league's "superpowers."

However, there are concerns that this parity might decline. The league is aggressively expanding the number of teams. There isn't an infinite talent pool available. Eventually, there may not be enough top players and coaches. Last year’s ESPN NWSL GM survey showed GMs worried about talent retention.

Despite these fears, recent results show strong competition in the NWSL. In just two weeks, last-place Chicago scored twice to beat a top team. Kansas City Current coach Vlatko Andonovski noted how competitive the league is. Angel City dominated Orlando Pride but lost after conceding three goals late in the game.

Gotham FC had a wild road trip with mixed results: a win, a loss, and another win within eight days. Berman highlighted that European leagues often have blowouts, unlike the NWSL's weekly competitiveness. Most European leagues are dominated by just a couple of teams.

Barcelona and Lyon have won nearly all titles in Europe recently. The NWSL stands out for having more evenly distributed talent across teams. Eight of the top 20 teams in Opta's rankings are from the NWSL.

In contrast, Spain has Barcelona and Real Madrid at the top of their league. Lyon recently won its 18th title in France while Chelsea clinched its sixth straight crown in England. Bayern Munich secured its third consecutive Bundesliga title last weekend.

The NWSL finds repetitive results boring and bad for business. Owners want to invest where they can win; players seek better competition; coaches want challenges too. Esther González from NJ/NY Gotham FC said every NWSL game feels like playing against Barcelona.

The current season shows that NWSL's parity remains strong for now. However, maintaining competitive balance will be challenging long-term as expansion continues. The league grew from 10 teams in 2021 to an expected 16 next season.

While expansion helps business, it also spreads player talent thinly across teams. Last year's standings showed significant gaps between first and last place—40 points apart was historic for the league.

The top four teams—Orlando Pride, Washington Spirit, Kansas City Current, and Gotham FC—are performing well again this season after six weeks of play. These teams made smart coaching hires leading to better player acquisitions.

Some struggling teams still lack competitiveness; Chicago Red Stars sit at last place with only three points so far this season after losing heavily to Orlando earlier on.

A new collective bargaining agreement eliminated drafts and granted full free agency to players starting this season—a change that could favor wealthier clubs seeking star players without restrictions.

Berman sees potential for further expansion but acknowledges concerns about over-expansion among executives and owners alike.

She argues that minimum spending mandates help maintain some level of competitiveness across all teams despite changes over time.

Last year’s playoffs saw higher seeds winning every match easily—a sign that gaps may be widening between elite clubs and others.

The NWSL is currently exploring these issues while recognizing what makes it unique—and what it wants to avoid becoming in future seasons.