The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has seen significant turnover this season, with high-profile players moving to Europe, notable retirements, and blockbuster trades reshaping the league. Despite these changes, the NWSL remains packed with talent, offering plenty of excitement for fans.

Key Departures and Retirements

  • Naomi Girma, San Diego Wave’s standout defender, made a record-breaking move to Chelsea for a $1.1 million transfer fee.
  • Jenna Nighswonger, another U.S. national team defender, left Gotham FC after two seasons to join Arsenal.
  • Becky Sauerbrunn (Portland Thorns) and Yuki Nagasato (Houston Dash) retired after illustrious careers.
  • Sophia Wilson (formerly Sophia Smith), an Olympic gold medalist, announced she is expecting her first child and will sit out this season with the Portland Thorns.

Major Trades Within the League

  • Jaedyn Shaw was traded from the San Diego Wave to the North Carolina Courage.
  • Lynn Biyendolo (formerly Lynn Williams) moved from Gotham FC to the Seattle Reign in one of the offseason’s most significant deals.

Players to Watch in 2024

Despite the departures, the NWSL boasts a wealth of talent. Here are some standout players to keep an eye on this season:

Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current)

The reigning NWSL MVP and Golden Boot winner, Chawinga had a historic debut season in 2023. The Malawi native set a single-season record with 20 goals, including an eight-game scoring streak, and became the first player to score against every team in the league in one season.

Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride)

Banda was the hero of the 2023 NWSL Championship, scoring the winning goal against the Washington Spirit to secure the title. She also became the first player to score in every playoff round and finished the season with 13 goals. The Zambian international was named the BBC’s Player of the Year.

Marta (Orlando Pride)

The Brazilian legend continues to shine at 38, captaining the Pride to both the NWSL Shield and the championship last season. With 42 goals in 128 appearances for the Pride, Marta remains a force on the field. She recently signed an extension keeping her with the team through 2026.

Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit)

Despite battling a lower back injury last season, Rodman tallied eight goals and six assists. A key player for the U.S. national team, she was part of the "Triple Espresso" trio at the Paris Olympics, helping the U.S. win gold with three tournament goals.

Lynn Biyendolo (Seattle Reign)

The NWSL’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals, Biyendolo (formerly Lynn Williams) brings her prolific scoring ability to the Reign after a high-profile trade from Gotham FC. A four-time NWSL champion and Olympic gold medalist, she remains a cornerstone of the U.S. national team.

Jaedyn Shaw (North Carolina Courage)

At just 20, Shaw has already made a significant impact in the NWSL. After 52 appearances and 13 goals with the San Diego Wave, she was traded to the Courage. Shaw has also earned 21 caps with the U.S. national team, scoring eight goals, and was named the U.S. Young Player of the Year in 2022.

Christen Press (Angel City)

Press, Angel City’s inaugural signing, is back after overcoming a serious knee injury that required four surgeries. The 36-year-old forward, a two-time World Cup champion with the U.S. national team, signed a one-year deal and aims to make a strong comeback this season.

Looking Ahead

The 2024 NWSL season promises to be as competitive as ever, with a mix of established stars and rising talents ready to make their mark. While the league has faced significant changes, the depth of talent ensures that fans will have plenty to cheer for as the action unfolds.