Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
Women's soccer enjoying its World Cup bump
Share This Post
Comments
Friday, July 24, 2015 - 8:45pm

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Nowhere could the World Cup bump in women's soccer be more apparent than in Portland, where more than 21,000 fans watched a National Women's Soccer League rivalry match between the Thorns and the Seattle Reign.

It was the second-largest stand-alone crowd ever to watch a professional women's league game in the United States. And while soccer-crazy Portland usually attracts big crowds for the hometown Thorns, the rest of the league is also seeing a surge in interest.

The NWSL is loving the attention.

"The last few weeks have been really, really nice for all of us," NWSL Commissioner Jeff Plush said. "But there's more hard work. It continues to be a business we work very hard at every day. So it's not going to be a panacea. You have to work hard at growth."

The U.S. women's national team, whose players are allocated throughout the NWSL, defeated Japan 5-2 earlier this month in the title match at the World Cup, which was played across six Canadian cities. It was the team's third World Cup title, most of any nation.

The players have since returned to their club teams and to crowds eager to see the American victors.

The NWSL is in its third season and is in a crucial period because no other women's league in the United States has been able to last very long. Both forerunners, the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) and Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) each folded within the three-year mark.

The league has attracted major sponsors, including Nike and, this season, Coppertone. In late June, the NWSL and FOX Sports announced an agreement to broadcast 10 league games this season. Three regular-season matches, three playoff matches and the championship will be shown on FOX Sports 1.

But it's the fans that have been making a difference in the past couple of weeks.

The Thorns set the league's attendance record on Wednesday night with a sellout crowd of 21,144 for a match against the rival Reign at Providence Park.

The record for a stand-alone professional women's soccer match in the United States was set in 2001, when 34,148 watched the Washington Freedom defeat the Bay Area CyberRays 1-0 at RFK Stadium. Mia Hamm starred for the Freedom while Brandi Chastain led the CyberRays.

While other women's pro matches have drawn more than the Thorns did Wednesday night, those were double-headers held in conjunction with men's games.

The Thorns lead the league in attendance by a wide margin, averaging 13,769 fans a game this season. Wednesday night's match marked the fifth time the crowd has gone over 16,000 at the downtown stadium, which is also home to Major League Soccer's Portland Timbers.

Other teams also have seen a spike in attendance.

The Washington Spirit drew a club record 5,413 fans to Saturday's 3-0 victory over the Reign at the Maryland SoccerPlex. The same day, the Chicago Red Stars played to a 1-1 draw with Boston before a record 3,560 fans at Benedictine University.

A record 13,025 fans turned out at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston for the Dash match against the Red Stars. U.S. stars Carli Lloyd, Meghan Klingenberg and Morgan Brian were honored but didn't play.

"I think people just totally got attached to this World Cup in a different way than they have and it was so close to home," U.S. midfielder Megan Rapinoe said about the bump. "That was such a huge thing to have American fans know they can go watch these players in their own cities for the rest of the season. Hopefully the bounce isn't coming down, it's just continuing to go up."

The WUSA was founded in 2000, hoping to capitalize on the U.S. national team's victory in the 1999 World Cup, but the league folded in 2003. The WPS played from 2010-2012 but had insurmountable internal organizational and financial issues.

The NWSL has always maintained that it is better positioned to succeed because of its association with the North American soccer federations - the United States, Canada and Mexico - which pay the salaries of their national team players to help keep costs down.

Thorns coach Paul Riley said the real benefits of the World Cup probably won't be seen until next year - in season ticket sales.

"We're an anomaly when it comes to that. But you know, with Boston, Chicago, these places that have a huge boost right now, can they deliver season tickets? I know all the teams are working hard to get it done," Riley said. "Our job is to entertain. Our job is to put teams out that people want to come pay money to watch, and put them in suitable stadiums for people to watch. I think that's the next step for everybody and hopefully they can do that, the whole league."

Plush agreed there's more work ahead. The league, which right now has nine teams, could expand, possibly even next season.

The NWSL could also get another bump next season from the 2016 Olympics.

"The health of the league is good. It's exactly where we expected to be and where we wanted to be in the third year," Plush said. "I think it's important for people to understand the context as a startup business. We're 2 1/2 years in. Certainly the product is compelling, but we have the challenges and issues any business has. That said, we are rigorously planning for Year 4 and we have all the confidence in Year 5 and Year 6."

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

Melvin reveals strategy A's tried vs. Bumgarner
Bassitt 'grooved a fastball' to Bumgarner on home run
Bumgarner goes over long ball, win vs. A's
Bochy hits on all the ways Bumgarner helps Giants

Giants

Rewind: Bumgarner goes deep on mound, at the plate
WATCH: Bumgarner goes yard vs. Bassitt, A's
Phillies' Hamels no-hits Cubs, strikes out 13
Instant Replay: Bumgarner powers Giants over A's with bat, arm
Read More

Athletics

Instant Replay: Lacking offense, A's down 0-2 in Bay series
A's notes: Burns on bench; updates on Doolittle, Crisp
A's lineup: Burns out, Semien batting leadoff vs. Giants
A's recall Bassitt, option Castro to Triple-A
Read More

Sharks

Sharks notes: DeBoer likes new OT format; 'we'll have a captain'
Sharks mailbag: San Jose could use another d-man
NHL receives expansion bids from Las Vegas, Quebec City
Tarasov leaves Sharks for KHL
Read More

49ers

Police: Cardinals rookie WR shot outside home
Gregg Williams says bounties not meant to inflict injury
Holmgren: 49ers wanted 'younger guy' as head coach
49ers open Aug. 9 practice to 10,000 fans
Read More

Raiders

Biletnikoff keeps daughter's spirit alive with fitting tribute
Raiders training camp preview: Offensive line
Raiders training camp preview: Running backs
Raiders training camp preview: Quarterbacks
Read More

Warriors

Warriors end Kuzmic project, get slight cap relief
Popovich: Kerr made Warriors 'much more intelligent' team
Reports: Warriors rescind qualifying offer to Kuzmic
Looney aims to extend range, falling to Warriors 'best thing'
Read More

NCAA

After on-campus incident, San Jose State dismisses DB
Not thinking about NFL, Cal QB Goff focused on winning games
San Jose State dismisses WR after domestic battery arrest
Pac-12 has plan for business growth, will others follow?
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Amy G
  • Insider Alex Pavlovic
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets

Latest News

Rewind: Bumgarner goes deep on mound, at the plate
Alex Pavlovic

GIANTS VIDEO

Bumgarner goes over long ball, win vs. A's
Bumgarner goes over long ball, win vs. A's
See more >

GIANTS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Insider Joe Stiglich
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets

Latest News

Instant Replay: Lacking offense, A's down 0-2 in Bay series
(1)
Joe Stiglich

A's VIDEO

Melvin reveals strategy A's tried vs. Bumgarner
Melvin reveals strategy A's tried vs. Bumgarner
See more >

A's INSIDER

  • Instant Replay: Lacking offense, A's down 0-2 in Bay series
  • A's notes: Burns on bench; updates on Doolittle, Crisp
  • Rewind: Burns avoids serious injury in A's loss
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NHL Standings
  • Insider Kevin Kurz
  • Buy Sharks Gear
  • Buy Sharks Tickets

Latest News

Sharks notes: DeBoer likes new OT format; 'we'll have a captain'
(14)
Kevin Kurz

SHARKS VIDEO

Kurz: With Jones in fold, Sharks still need help in several spots
Kurz: With Jones in fold, Sharks still need help in several spots
See more >

SHARKS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Insider Monte Poole
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets

Latest News

Warriors end Kuzmic project, get slight cap relief
(7)
Monte Poole

WARRIORS VIDEO

Barkley: 'Congratulations to the Golden State Warriors'
Barkley: 'Congratulations to the Golden State Warriors'
See more >

WARRIORS INSIDER

  • Analysis: York seeking straw in tornado with 49ers-Warriors parallel
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Insider Bill Herenda
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets
  • Channel locations

Latest News

Report: Kings offer front office job to Stojakovic
(3)
ProBasketballTalk

Kings Video

Sim Bhullar reveals he's 25-30 pounds lighter entering Summer League
Sim Bhullar reveals he's 25-30 pounds lighter entering Summer League
See more >

KINGS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Matt Maiocco
  • Buy 49ers Gear
  • Buy 49ers Tickets

Latest News

Police: Cardinals rookie WR shot outside home
Associated Press

49ers VIDEO

Meet the Rookies: 49ers OLB Eli Harold
Meet the Rookies: 49ers OLB Eli Harold
See more >

49ers INSIDER

  • 49ers open Aug. 9 practice to 10,000 fans
  • 49ers training camp preview: Cornerbacks
  • Haley: Aldon can't let others push him in wrong direction
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Scott Bair
  • Buy Raiders Gear
  • Buy Raiders Tickets

Latest News

Biletnikoff keeps daughter's spirit alive with fitting tribute
Associated Press

RAIDERS VIDEO

Meet the Rookies: Raiders OL Jon Feliciano
Meet the Rookies: Raiders OL Jon Feliciano
See more >

RAIDERS INSIDER

  • Raiders training camp preview: Offensive line
  • Raiders training camp preview: Running backs
  • Raiders training camp preview: Quarterbacks
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

Women's soccer enjoying its World Cup bump
Associated Press

Quakes Video

Earthquakes star Thompson runs deep in soccer blood
Earthquakes star Thompson runs deep in soccer blood
See more >

Quakes Shop

JOE STIGLICH

Instant Replay: Lacking offense, A's down 0-2 in Bay series
(1)
See more >

ALEX PAVLOVIC

Rewind: Bumgarner goes deep on mound, at the plate
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

49ers open Aug. 9 practice to 10,000 fans
(1)
See more >

SCOTT BAIR

Raiders training camp preview: Offensive line
(3)
See more >

MONTE POOLE

Warriors end Kuzmic project, get slight cap relief
(7)
See more >

BILL HERENDA

Sources: Kings not interested in trading Cousins to Celtics
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Sharks notes: DeBoer likes new OT format; 'we'll have a captain'
(14)
See more >

RAY RATTO

Partnership with sports could make NASA self-sustaining

ENTER TO WIN A'S TICKETS!

more

Watch our A's Baseball Breakfast broadcasts to find out how to win free tickets!

SAY HEY TUESDAY

Join us for Say Hey Tuesday – every Tuesday Giants home game.

AFF - A'S

Authentic Fan Friday - A's

Come to Authentic Fan Friday at the A's! 

Sit in the Value Deck and score free giveaways - get more info here!

 

NCAA

Pac-12 has plan for business growth, will others follow?
Report: After assaults, Fisher bans FSU players from bars

MORE

  • SaberCats
  • Fight Sports
  • Motor Sports
  • GolfChannel.com
  • Tennis
  • Ray Ratto

 

TICKETS

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets
Curry Jersey
Giants Fitted Hat
49ers Hoodie

Mega Menu: Shop

  • Giants
  • A's Shop
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Shop
  • Warriors
  • Kings Shop
  • Sharks Shop

Mega Menu: Shop - Tickets

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets

Latest Videos

Melvin reveals strategy A's tried vs. Bumgarner
Melvin reveals strategy A's tried vs. Bumgarner
See more >

ONLINE SHOWS

  • Carpool Confessions
  • Amy G’s Exclusives

TV SHOWS

  • All Videos
  • SportsNet Central
  • SportsTalk Live

INSIDERS

  • Ray Ratto - Senior Insider
  • Matt Maiocco - 49ers
  • Scott Bair - Raiders
  • Monte Poole - Warriors
  • Bill Herenda - Kings
  • Kevin Kurz - Sharks
  • Joe Stiglich - A's
  • Alex Pavlovic - Giants
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California