The USL W League is a pre-professional womens soccer league in the United States that began play in May 2022. It was announced on June 8, 2021, by the United Soccer League with eight founding clubs. The league is focused on developing the next wave of elite talent in the women’s game while also respecting the amateur status of players in order to protect collegiate eligibility. The USL W League is open to elite youth players, collegiate players, aspiring professionals, and former professionals. The league is set to increase opportunities, gender equity, and career development for women in soccer.
The USL W League is not to be confused with the former USL W-League, which was a similar league that existed from 1995 to 2015. The inaugural season of the USL W League includes at least 30 teams. The league is divided into four conferences that include ten divisions from across the country. The leagues mission is to elevate and empower women, celebrating the continued advancements of women’s sports while acknowledging the work still to be done.
In summary, the USL W League is a pre-professional womens soccer league in the United States that began play in May 2022. It is focused on developing the next wave of elite talent in the women’s game while also respecting the amateur status of players in order to protect collegiate eligibility. The league includes at least 30 teams and is divided into four conferences that include ten divisions from across the country.