WHAT'S NEXT: State of 2025 NWSL Rosters

Taylor Vincent
Taylor Vincent, Resident NWSL ExpertOctober 22, 2024
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If every team has the maximum active roster spots in use, there would be 364 active players in the NWSL. Looking at the roster and contract situation for 2025, there are currently 236 players signed for 2025 including 21 of the 2025 Free Agents. Additionally, there are four players who haven’t had extensions/options exercised announced but don’t appear on the 2025 Free Agency list as well as 104 unsigned free agents (not including players who have announced their retirements). 


Current 2025 NWSL states. *Indicates the number counts a player loaned out until June 2025

The North Carolina Courage lead the way with 27 players signed at least through the 2027 season, with current NWSL roster rules limiting teams to 26 active players this does mean that one player will need to be released or loaned out in order to meet compliance requirements unless the league expands roster rules moving forward. The Orlando Pride and Racing Louisville are the other two teams who have enough players for 2025 to potentially already be in roster compliance. 

The San Diego Wave have had quite the tumultuous season and right now have the greatest potential to see a high roster turnover ahead of the 2025 season. Six teams currently have less than the required 18 person minimum gameday roster signed for 2025: Kansas City, Angel City, Chicago, Houston, and Portland. 

Looking at the 2025 signings following the midway point in the season, it is clear to see how active some teams were in the secondary window versus in the new free agency period


2025 Roster spots occupied at different times in the year

Houston and Kansas City have been the most active since the new CBA changed free agency, while Houston and Seattle saw their biggest uptick in the Olympic break and through the Secondary Window closure.


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