The National Women’s Soccer League has shelved plans for an anticipated vote this week regarding a major schedule change, according to Monday reporting from CBS Sports.
Earlier reports on April 17 suggested the league’s Board of Governors would decide on the calendar switch, though the NWSL never officially confirmed those plans.
The league presently operates from March through November, while major European soccer competitions begin in late summer or early fall and conclude in late spring. Major League Soccer will adopt this fall-spring format starting next season.
NWSL leadership previously rejected a similar calendar change proposal in 2024, ESPN reported.
When asked about the timing, a league representative suggested no immediate changes are planned.
“The NWSL has been actively evaluating its competition calendar, including the potential to align more closely with the international soccer landscape,” a league spokesperson said in a statement to CBS Sports. “No decision has been made at this time. Any change of this magnitude will be thoughtfully considered and we are taking input from all key stakeholders.”
Players represent a crucial voice in these discussions, with the NWSL Players Union issuing a response following the April 17 ESPN coverage.
“We recognize the pros and cons of each and acknowledge that factors outside our control — including the Women’s International Match Calendar and limited control over facilities — are driving this conversation,” the union stated to The Athletic.
“We remain concerned, however, that the issue is being framed around the wrong question. The right question is not whether the league should flip the calendar, but whether the right conditions exist to do so responsibly. Right now, they do not. The ability to navigate weather-related disruptions depends on consistent control over facilities and operational flexibility across clubs, and that standard has not been met league-wide.
“Our top priorities in any scenario are protecting and promoting Player health, safety, and performance. As a general matter, a majority of Players polled on this question currently oppose flipping the calendar.”
While the NWSL maintains full discretion over schedule modifications to a fall-spring format, the collective bargaining agreement with the players union mandates at least twelve months advance notice.
Additionally, given that numerous teams operate in northeastern regions where winter play would be required, the CBA would mandate implementation of protective “extreme cold policy” measures.
