The 2025 NWSL season continues, and the power rankings are updated. After three weeks, as the league pauses for international play, these rankings will hold until NWSL action resumes.
There have already been shifts since the week two rankings, and a major season question might be emerging: Can anyone challenge Orlando for the top spot this year? Early indicators suggest Kansas City Current could be the team.
While significant changes in the top four were unexpected so early, it`s exciting to see even the league`s best teams creating intrigue. Washington Spirit remains a top contender, but Orlando and Kansas City are proving tough to overtake. Gotham FC might see changes after Tierna Davidson`s knee injury, which also sidelined her from the USWNT April roster.
The mid-tier teams are stable, still working on their starting lineups and strategies, while the bottom rankings see some new faces alongside familiar ones.
Teams now have a short break to regroup for the long season ahead. Fans can catch select NWSL regular season matches on CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network.
2025 NWSL Power Rankings
| Rank | Team | Change | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
Kansas City Current |
+1 |
The Kansas City Current are dominating in all aspects of the game. They are decisively beating playoff contenders, setting a high standard for the league. |
|
2. |
Orlando Pride |
-1 |
Barbra Banda hasn`t scored in two weeks, highlighting a need for her offensive contribution alongside the defensive midfielder`s scoring. Despite this, Orlando remains a top team and a league powerhouse. |
|
3. |
Washington Spirit |
— |
Trinity Rodman is back with limited minutes, and Ashley Hatch is performing well. However, the defense, featuring Rebecal Bernal, Tara McKeown, Esme Morgan, and Casey Krueger, is the standout unit for DC this week, showing great cohesion. |
|
4. |
NJ/NY Gotham FC |
-– |
Grit alone will only sustain Gotham FC in the top four for so long. They need to use this break to address injuries to secure wins in the early season. |
|
5. |
Houston Dash |
+1 |
The Houston Dash have been challenging playoff-caliber teams early in the season and are climbing the rankings, raising the question: Are they a dark horse or a sleeping giant? |
|
6. |
Seattle Reign FC |
-1 |
Seattle Reign FC struggled to maintain possession and create meaningful scoring opportunities. With injuries to key veteran players, it`s time for the coaching staff to rely more on their speedy bench players. |
|
7. |
North Carolina Courage |
-1 |
North Carolina Courage missed a winnable game. Despite their efforts, they continue to struggle for a decisive victory. Perhaps Jaedyn Shaw`s time with the national team will provide a spark. |
|
8. |
Angel City FC |
+3 |
Angel City FC enters the upper half of the rankings thanks to strong performances from Alyssa and Gisele Thompson, Savy King, Kennedy Fuller, and Riley Tiernan. Hopefully, interim manager Sam Laity keeps playing these young talents. |
|
9. |
San Diego Wave FC |
+1 |
San Diego Wave FC challenged Orlando, and despite losing, the team`s cohesion between new and veteran players is evident. The midfield is connecting well, possibly finding solutions in Kenza Dali and Gia Corely. |
|
10. |
Utah Royals |
-2 |
Utah Royals appear to be benefiting less from last year`s midseason coaching change and more like a team that isn`t a true contender. They need to reset quickly, and the break is timely for coaching adjustments. |
|
11. |
Bay FC |
-2 |
Bay FC failed to capitalize on opportunities and make a statement against a top-four team. The ideas are there, but execution is lacking. They need adjustments to avoid being overtaken by rising teams. |
|
12. |
Racing Louisville FC |
— |
Racing Louisville FC took advantage of an opportunity this week, playing against the league`s lowest-ranked team. More is needed to climb higher in the rankings. |
|
13. |
Portland Thorns FC |
— |
Goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold delivered a massive performance for Portland Thorns FC, securing a result with a penalty save. However, questionable shot selection continues to hinder their momentum. |
|
14. |
Chicago Stars FC |
— |
Facing another struggling team presented an opportunity for Chicago Stars FC to change their tempo, but they did not. They seem destined for the bottom of the rankings. |
Dominic Ashworth