What we’re hearing in women’s football: Latest on Cat Macario, Katie McCabe, Alexia Putellas, and more

Welcome to the first edition of What We’re Hearing, The Athletic’s women’s football transfer guide to the…

USWNT defender Jenna Nighswonger joins Aston Villa on loan from Arsenal

Richard Pelham/Getty Images Aston Villa have have signed United States women’s national team defender Jenna Nighswonger…

NWSL’s new ‘high impact’ rule prioritizes a small pool of superstars – and they must be marketable

The new High Impact Player rule, introduced Tuesday by the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), allows…

NWSL adds rule allowing stars to be paid $1M above cap despite players’ union opposition

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has introduced a roster mechanism to allow teams to pay…

The women’s sports moments of 2025 – as chosen by The Athletic’s writers

It was a year of dominance for women’s sports in 2025. You couldn’t blink without missing…

England’s Jess Carter won three championships in 181 days while ‘staying true’ to herself

There is a moment from Gotham FC’s NWSL Championship celebrations in Manhattan last month that stayed…

NWSL final draws more than 1 million TV viewers, smashes audience record for league

Gotham FC was part of the most-watched game in NWSL history. Brandon Vallance / Getty Images…

Gotham FC get NWSL Championship celebrations right second time around

NEW YORK — Less than two days after defeating the Washington Spirit 1-0 in the NWSL…

After a rollercoaster season, “villains” Gotham hit their peak to win second NWSL Championship

SAN JOSE, Calif. — It began with Gotham FC’s upset against the No. 1-ranked Kansas City…

How Jessica Berman, the NWSL’s influential commissioner, faces her toughest tests

It is nearly impossible to locate Jessica Berman’s address. The inky-black leaves along the National Women’s…