NWSL Championship: key battles to decide Washington Spirit v Gotham FC final | Megan Swanick

The NWSL Championship final between Washington Spirit and Gotham FC is underway, with the match taking place in San Jose, California. The game has been delayed, with the national anthem yet to be performed as of 5:10 PM Pacific time. Both teams have a history of championship success, with the Spirit winning in 2021 and Gotham in 2023.

NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman has signed a multi-year extension to remain in her role through the 2028 season, as announced by the league. Since taking over in 2022, Berman has worked to improve the NWSL's reputation following investigations into systemic abuse and has significantly increased the league's visibility.

The Washington Spirit is set to face Gotham FC in the NWSL Championship after narrowly missing the title last year. The match will take place in San Jose, California, where both teams aim to secure their second championship title. The Spirit finished the regular season in second place, while Gotham FC, the underdogs, secured the eighth spot.

The Orlando Pride has announced that Haley Carter, the sporting director and vice president of soccer operations, will be leaving the franchise to pursue other career opportunities. This decision comes shortly after the team's season ended without securing a repeat title in the NWSL.

Racing Louisville FC's manager, Bev Yanez, has been awarded the NWSL Coach of the Year for 2025 at the league's inaugural formal awards ceremony. This recognition comes after a milestone year for the team, highlighting Yanez's successful leadership and contributions to the club's achievements.

Temwa Chawinga of the KC Current has made history by being named the NWSL Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive year. This achievement marks her as the first player to win the award back-to-back, highlighting her exceptional performance in the league despite facing an injury during the season.

Savy King, a defender for Angel City FC, is launching a CPR training program for all 16 NWSL teams, following her own collapse during a game six months ago. Partnering with her nonprofit, Savy King of Hearts, and the American Heart Association, King aims to enhance player safety through proper CPR training.

Trinity Rodman, a forward for the Spirit, will enter free agency at the end of the season, attracting interest from wealthy European teams. This situation has raised concerns about whether the NWSL's salary cap is preventing the league from keeping its top talent. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman defended the salary cap while expressing her views on Rodman's potential move.