U.S. Soccer, alongside the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the United Soccer League (USL), has begun exploring the possibility of a new interleague tournament for professional women's clubs. Early conversations have set a tentative target for the competition to kick off as early as 2028, multiple sources confirmed.
The talks, which remain in preliminary stages, involve officials from U.S. Soccer, the NWSL, and the USL—the latter operating the USL Super League, a recently launched Division II professional league. No formal agreement has been reached, but the discussions signal a growing ambition to unite the top tiers of American women's soccer in a cross-league format.
An interleague competition would mark a significant evolution in the U.S. women's soccer landscape, which currently sees the NWSL as the premier division and the USL Super League as a developing second-tier circuit. A tournament pitting teams from both leagues against each other could mirror structures seen in men's soccer, such as domestic cups that include clubs from multiple divisions.
While details regarding the tournament's format, qualification criteria, and scheduling remain undefined, sources indicate that stakeholders are evaluating various models. The 2028 timeline suggests a patient approach, allowing both leagues time to stabilize and grow before introducing a new competition.
The involvement of U.S. Soccer is notable, as the federation oversees the sport at all levels and would likely sanction any official interleague event. In recent years, the organization has encouraged collaboration to bolster the women's game domestically, following the success of the U.S. women's national team and rising attendance figures in the NWSL.
For the USL, participation in a joint tournament would provide greater visibility and competitive tests for its clubs, while the NWSL could benefit from expanded fan interest and local rivalries. Both leagues have expressed interest in innovative ways to elevate the sport, and this initiative aligns with broader strategic objectives.
As discussions progress, officials are expected to meet periodically to hammer out the framework. Any final decision will require approval from the respective league boards and U.S. Soccer, ensuring that the competition fits into the overall calendar without overburdening players.
Based on reporting from ESPN.