The Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) is an amateur women's soccer league in the United States.

History

The WPSL is the longest-running active women's soccer league as it enters its 25th season in 2023. The WPSL is also the largest women's soccer league in the United States, North America and the world with 130 active teams as of 2023.

The WPSL started as the Western Division of the W-League, before breaking away to form its own league in 1998. The league is sanctioned by the United States Adult Soccer Association, an affiliate of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). WPSL teams feature collegiate and post-collegiate players, who currently or previously played across all divisions of the NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA. Former players of the WPSL have taken their playing careers to the next level by signing professional in the NWSL and top leagues overseas. WPSL Alumnae have also reached international status by making international rosters seen in the FIFA Women's World Cup and the Olympics. Notable alumnae include Brandi Chastain, Kristine Lilly, Heather Mitts, Julie Foudy, Shannon Boxx, Alex Morgan and Leslie Osborne. The Jerry Zanelli Cup is awarded to the champion of each WPSL season.

When Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) suspended play in 2012, WPSL moved forward with its ambitions toward professionalism and created the WPSL Elite League. The Elite League was a pro-am league, with at least four fully professional teams, including three former WPS teams. The Elite league operated for just the 2012 season, disbanding in 2013 with the formation of the NWSL, which the three former WPS teams joined.

WPSL Division II

In 2021, the WPSL announced its second division, WPSL U21, which is scheduled to begin play in mid-2021. In September 2024, WPSL announced a change to the WPSL U21 program, evolving it to the WPSL Division II, which provides a pathway for higher developmental opportunities. The new division is set to launch in 2025, with an emphasis on competition and standards through a fully connected developmental program.

WPSL PRO

On February 8, 2023, WPSL announced plans to create a Division III professional league named WPSL PRO. The league plans to start in 2025 with ten teams. In August 2023, five teams signed letters of intent to join the WPSL Pro. SouthStar FC, Sioux Falls City FC, Oklahoma City FC (WPSL), Austin Rise FC, and The Town FC will be five of the first ten teams to join WPSL Pro. On February 6, 2024, the league announced the sixth team will be Georgia Impact FC. The league needs 6 teams to conform with US Soccer Division III Professional League Standards On February 20, 2024, the league announced the seventh team signing a letter of intent was AC Houston Sur for the 2025 season. On February 22, 2024, the league announced the first team signing a letter of intent for the 2026 season was Dakota Fusion FC. To celebrate Women's History Month, WPSL Pro revealed it's temporary branding and new website. The league confirmed they would reveal their official branding later in the year. In July 2024, WPSL Pro announced their ninth LOI from a group led by Gina Prodan Kelly to bring a club to Northeast Ohio. WPSL Pro reached the milestone of their 10th LOI from Soda City FC from Columbia, South Carolina in August 2024. In September 2024, WPSL Pro announced their 11th and 12th LOIs, the first from Wichita, Kansas, and the second Indios Denver FC from Denver, Colorado.

League Affiliations

On April 2, 2024, WPSL announced they had partnered with the Michigan Super League to provide support to the development of underrepresented leagues. The WPSL will partner with the United States Adult Soccer Association to provide support to these leagues. The Michigan Super League will consist of five teams for the 2024 season.

The USA WPSL Women soccer tournament is an exciting and highly competitive event that showcases the immense talent and skill of female soccer players in the United States. The tournament brings together teams from various regions across the country, creating a platform for these athletes to showcase their abilities and compete at the highest level.

The tournament features a format that includes group stages, knockout rounds, and ultimately culminates in a thrilling final match. Each team represents their respective cities or regions, creating a sense of pride and camaraderie among the players and fans alike.

The USA WPSL Women tournament attracts a diverse range of players, including college athletes, aspiring professionals, and even some established stars. This diversity adds to the excitement and unpredictability of the matches, as teams bring their unique playing styles and strategies to the field.

The tournament not only provides a platform for players to showcase their skills but also serves as a breeding ground for talent development. Scouts and coaches from professional teams and national programs often attend the matches, keeping a keen eye on the standout performers. This creates opportunities for players to be scouted and potentially earn contracts with professional clubs or national team call-ups.

The USA WPSL Women tournament is not only a celebration of women's soccer but also a testament to the growing popularity and recognition of the sport in the United States. It serves as a platform for female athletes to inspire and empower the next generation of soccer players, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and excel in the sport.

Overall, the USA WPSL Women tournament is a thrilling and highly competitive event that showcases the immense talent and passion for soccer among female athletes in the United States. It is a must-watch for soccer enthusiasts and a testament to the growing prominence of women's soccer in the country.