The NWSL has a major opportunity: With the FIFA men’s World Cup taking place on North American soil this summer, soccer is about to have a moment this side of the Atlantic.The league aims to leverage its considerable momentum and stake a claim in mainstream sports culture.

• Already popular among football diehards, the NWSL is working overtime to attract new fans and refine its cultural identity. Draw them in with talent, pizazz, and personality, then make them a fan of the game for life — a familiar women’s sports playbook.

• As we wait for the league’s 13th season to kick off on Friday (March 13th, BTW), we’re chatting about the NWSL players using fashion, in particular, to propel the league into its iconic era. Let’s kick it.

We’d be remiss not to mention the WNBA when it comes to player fashion and league identity — tunnel ’fits and couture crossovers are central to the W’s image. Now, NWSL players are getting in the game, too, helping the league become a fashion hot spot while they’re at it.

• That said, the league’s tunnel ’fit evolution is a bit hamstrung by, well, lack of tunnels — many teams’ stadiums don’t have the built-in runway of basketball arenas. But league and team socials spotlight players’ arrival looks with Drip Checks every chance they get.

The NWSL’s emphasis on fashion helps distinguish it from other leagues in a cutthroat international soccer market. Tunnel ’fits aren’t as much of a thing for the Chelseas and PSGs of the world — the NWSL’s fashionable reputation sets it apart just as much as its trademark gritty, physical style of play on the pitch, and that can go a long way in attracting talent.

• Spotlighting style brings new eyes to the game. It captures the attention of nontraditional fans whose interest is piqued by fashion content and helps devotees feel like they better know the players — historically a priority for women’s sports fans.

The real driving force behind the NWSL’s culture and style bonafides? The superstars who eat down every time they step out, commanding the admiration and attention of footy fans and fashionistas alike.

• There’s a long list of NWSL alum known for their style (see: Megan Rapinoe and Christen Press), but let’s spotlight a few active players putting the league on the map in the ever-growing intersection of sports and culture.

🦇 Midge Purce, Gotham FC: Purce is the multi-hyphenate of all multi-hyphenates, and her fashion side quests are equally as impressive. From repping high-fashion labels at New York Fashion Week to walking the runway for Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Show and the red carpet at the ESPYs, she operates at the highest levels of sport and style.

🌊 Croix Bethune, Kansas City Current: Bethune’s ’fits are fan faves around The GIST HQ. Her style is fun and playful but detail-oriented: The accessories, jewelry, and hair are always on point. She went from the Washington Spirit to the Current in last month’s blockbuster trade, so we’ll be watching to see how she makes a splash in a hot new market.

🌸 Trinity Rodman, Washington Spirit: One look at Rodman’s announcement of her history-making contract in Harper’s Bazaar and you know the NWSL’s It Girl takes fashion seriously. She’s the face of the league this season, and she’s making it count on and off the pitch.

⭐ Michelle Alozie, Chicago Stars FC: Alozie’s looks are the stuff of legend — she consistently makes the lists of eye-catching arrival ’fits across sports, women’s and men’s. She’s a favorite of friend of The GIST and soccer style icon Melissa Ortiz, so you know she’s a must-watch this season.

🦇 Jaedyn Shaw, Gotham FC: Voted the league’s best-dressed player of 2025, 21-year-old Shaw is the queen of Gen Z style. She works with stylists like friend of The GIST Sydney Bordonaro to create her iconic looks and has landed brand deals with the likes of E.l.f. and Coach. She knows that representation matters, and she never, ever misses.

👋 Kenza Dali, San Diego Wave: The French midfielder isn’t super well-known Stateside...yet. But she is always impeccable on the ’fit front — classic French chic? Check. An homage to Michael Jordan? Check. A seemingly bottomless collection of the freshest kicks in the game? Check, check, check.