The NWSL "averaged over 6,000 fans per game during the regular season" for the first time, up nearly 19% from '17, according to Jamie Goldberg of the Portland OREGONIAN. The league recorded an "average attendance of 6,017 fans per game in the regular season," after an average "per-game attendance of 5,061" in '17. The increase was "driven by the addition of the Utah Royals as an expansion club" and the league's "decision to play with just nine clubs, instead of 10, following the collapse of the Boston Breakers in the offseason." The Royals "finished second in the NWSL" with an average attendance of 9,466 in their inaugural season. The Portland Thorns "led the league in average attendance for the sixth year in a row," averaging 16,959 fans per game in '18. The Thorns saw a 4% "decrease in average attendance from the record 17,678 fans per game" average in '17. Three NWSL clubs "saw an increase in average attendance" in '18, the Chicago Red Stars, Washington Spirit and North Carolina Courage, who won the league championship. Meanwhile, five clubs "saw dips in attendance." Along with the Thorns, the Orlando Pride, Seattle Reign, Houston Dash and Sky Blue FC "all saw decreases" in '18 (OREGONLIVE.com, 9/24).
NWSL AVERAGE PER GAME ATTENDANCE |
| YEAR |
AVERAGE ATTENDANCE |
| '13 |
4,271 |
| '14 |
4,139 |
| '15 |
5,046 |
| '16 |
5,558 |
| '17 |
5,061 |
| '18 |
6,017 |
