The NWSL, which concluded its regular season on Saturday night, "averaged 7,386 fans a game, breaking the league record for average attendance in a season," according to Paul Kennedy of SOCCER AMERICA. That represented a 23% increase over the previous high of 6,024 set in '18. It is the "second-highest average in the history of women's pro soccer behind the average of 8,116 set in WUSA's inaugural season" in '01. The Portland Thorns "became the first women's team to average more than 20,000 fans a game." The Thorns, who have led the NWSL in attendance in every season, were "aided by the expansion of Providence Park." The Thorns' average attendance this season is higher than the average for 15 of the 24 MLS teams. Seven of the nine NWSL teams -- all but the Houston Dash and Orlando Pride -- "broke their season record for average attendance, and every team registered double-digit gains year-over-year." Teams "benefited from the buzz that followed" the USWNT's World Cup title. Six of the nine teams -- all but the Dash, Pride and the Utah Royals -- "broke their single-game attendance records in the aftermath." The jump in attendance in the World Cup year is comparable to '15 when NWSL average attendance increased almost 22% (SOCCERAMERICA.com, 10/13).
'19 NWSL AVERAGE ATTENDANCE
|
TEAM |
AVERAGE ATTENDANCE |
INCREASE |
Portland Thorns |
20,098 |
19% |
Utah Royals |
10,774 |
14% |
Washington Spirit |
6,105 |
57% |
NC Courage |
5,875 |
15% |
Orlando Pride |
5,565 |
15% |
Chicago Red Stars |
5,451 |
36% |
Reign FC |
5,213 |
36% |
Houston Dash |
4,053 |
13% |
Sky Blue FC |
3,338 |
32% |
