How to Manage in the NWSL in FM26

League Format

The 2025 NWSL season is contested by 14 clubs – 2 new expansion teams will join the league ahead of the 2026 campaign. Each team faces everyone home and away, playing 26 league matches in the regular season.

The team that tops the table during the regular season takes home the NWSL Shield Trophy. Following this, the top 8 teams advance to the playoffs and play for the league championship, which culminates in a single-match NWSL Championship Final.

These playoffs are a single-elimination tournament seeded on league position, with the regular season winners facing the team in 8th and so on. Home advantage in the play-off matches goes to the team who gained the most points across the regular season. The final is contested at a neutral stadium.  

In addition to the league campaign, there are also several other knockout competitions your team may enter including the Challenge Cup and the North American W Champions Cup.

Squad Building

Building your squad poses its own challenges in the NWSL.

As of 2025, there are no drafts, so clubs rely on trades, transfers, free agents and their own scouting networks. Each club starts with 8 international spots but if you've got global ambitions for your side, you can trade for more.

You will need to keep an eye on expiring contracts: free agency is now allowed, so players can pick their next club. The available salary cap for the 2025 season is $3.3 million.

Trades and Transfers

Unlike the European approach, the NWSL is known for its fluid player movement. It’s not just players that can be traded; you can also offer transfer funds too. Teams may loan players both within the league and abroad.

Trades need to be approved by the league and departing player – all trades must be completed before the end of the transfer deadline. The primary transfer window runs between January and March, with a secondary window opening from either June or July and closing in August. Transfers can happen up until the league’s roster freeze date in early October.

Top Tips to Master the NWSL

• Scout wisely: Without drafts to supply emerging players, you’ll need to work hard to scout high potential prospects
• Use the trade system: Take advantage of the North American approach of trading to improve your squad
• Manage international spots: Trade for extra slots if you need overseas talent or flip unwanted slots for extra funds
• Keep an eye on free agency: Free agency opens-up the opportunity to poach unhappy veterans or rising stars looking for a step-up

Who to Manage?

Now you know how to play in the NWSL, here are some ideas for where your journey stateside should begin.

Angel City FC

Based in the heart of Los Angeles, Angel City FC was founded in 2020 by a high-profile ownership group with links to the sports and entertainment world. The team had high expectations when they joined the league in 2022 and are primed for future success.

In FM26, the squad boasts plenty of attacking firepower to lead the line including rising talent Riley Tiernan. Can you get this star-studded team to realise its full potential?

Gotham FC

Gotham FC have played in the NWSL since the 2013 season, although at that time they were known as Sky Blue FC.  

The Bats lifted their first NWSL Championship title in 2023 and have added to their trophy cabinet with continental success last season.

Based in the New York metropolitan area, they boast one of the strongest squads in American soccer and have recently clinched their second NWSL Championship title. Their FM26 roster includes World Cup winner Esther Gonzalez, England international Jess Carter and US forward Midge Purce. Can you keep this talented squad challenging for the big trophies?

Portland Thorns FC

Portland Thorns were part of the inaugural season of the NWSL back in 2013 and have since become one of the league’s most decorated teams with several US greats gracing the black jersey.

Based in the Rose City, the Thorns have claimed 3 NWSL Championship titles and 2 NWSL. Their most recent taste of success came in 2022 when they won the NWSL Championship for a league record 3rd time.

Their FM26 roster contains a strong North American core including US internationals Sophia Wilson, Olivia Moultrie and Sam Coffey. Can you keep them on the top of the NWSL record books?

San Diego Wave FC

San Diego Wave FC begun play in the league during the 2022 season with much fanfare and big names signings, including several high-profile international players.

Results have been mixed so far. They clinched the regular season championship in the 2023 season but the 2024 season was a disappointing campaign following retirements of several high-profile players.

Their FM26 roster is still highly impressive with key players including Delphine Cascarino, Canadian international Kailen Sheridan and French midfielder Kenza Dali. Can you get the team firing again and lead them to the NWSL Championship title?

The NWSL is widely regarded as one of the top women’s leagues in the world, but it comes with its own unique challenges.

Are you ready to start building your legacy in the NWSL? It’s time to step into the dugout.