NWSL Rides World Cup Buzz with "Summer of Soccer"

As the Men's World Cup captivates the soccer world, the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) is launching its "Summer of Soccer" initiative. This multi-week campaign is designed to integrate the league into the international soccer fervor. A central element is a league-branded bus tour that will travel across the United States, engaging communities during critical moments of the tournament.

The tour will align with significant NWSL regular-season matches, which resume in early July. Cities like Columbus, Ohio; Kansas City, Mo.; Portland, Ore.; Denver; Los Angeles; Seattle; and New York will host fan experiences and live content. These events include creator coverage, community gatherings, and amplified match coverage, aiming to increase the league's visibility.

The NWSL seeks to leverage the immense interest generated by the Men's World Cup. Commissioner Jessica Berman emphasized the opportunity to introduce the league to new audiences who appreciate elite soccer. The initiative includes tentpole events, such as the Challenge Cup played during the World Cup, strategically timed to capture attention.

Notable stops include Columbus for the debut of its expansion side and the Challenge Cup. Kansas City will host a FIFA Fan Festival, while Denver will see a match coinciding with U.S. women's national team captain Lindsey Heaps' arrival. Los Angeles will feature creator experiences during the World Cup round of 16, and Portland and Seattle will host the Cascadia Rivalry. The tour concludes on the East Coast with events in New York City and near MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The NWSL's "Summer of Soccer" aims to make its product accessible to fans of elite soccer, regardless of gender. By occupying valuable media space during the World Cup knockout rounds, the league intends to create discoverability and convert global soccer interest into NWSL fandom.