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 six 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.

**USA WPSL Women Tournament Description**

The USA WPSL Women Tournament is an exhilarating showcase of talent, skill, and passion for women's soccer in the United States. As part of the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL), this tournament brings together some of the most competitive teams from across the nation, highlighting the incredible depth and diversity of women's soccer at the grassroots level.

Held annually, the tournament features a series of matches that culminate in an exciting championship showdown. Teams from various regions compete fiercely, representing their communities and striving for glory on the national stage. The tournament not only emphasizes athletic excellence but also promotes the growth of women's sports, empowering female athletes and inspiring the next generation of soccer players.

Fans can expect thrilling matches filled with dynamic plays, strategic teamwork, and standout performances from emerging talents and seasoned players alike. The atmosphere is electric, with supporters rallying behind their teams, creating a vibrant community spirit that celebrates the love of the game.

In addition to the on-field action, the USA WPSL Women Tournament serves as a platform for promoting inclusivity and diversity in sports, encouraging participation from players of all backgrounds. With a commitment to fostering development and providing opportunities for women in soccer, the tournament plays a crucial role in the evolution of the sport.

Join us for an unforgettable experience as we celebrate the strength, skill, and determination of women athletes at the USA WPSL Women Tournament—where dreams are pursued, and champions are made!