The NWSL has always prided itself on chaos. A league where anyone can beat anyone.
But five weeks into the 2025 season, things are looking awfully similar to 2024. Four teams (Kansas City Current, Orlando Pride, Washington Spirit, and NJ/NY Gotham FC) are breaking away at the top of the standings, sweeping the other 10 teams in their path.
This week, Full Time hosts Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan discuss whether the NWSL is losing its chaos. What has happened to the parity in the league? Should fans, broadcasters or the league itself be concerned? And, what are these four elite teams doing so right to blaze ahead? The Athletic's staff writer Jeff Rueter, also joins the debate to help analyze the past, present, and future of the NWSL's competitive balance.
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Articles mentioned on the show:
USWNT captain Lindsey Heaps says salary cap issue to blame for NWSL departures
State of the League: Before the NWSL can take on the world, it must find its place in the U.S.
Depleted Spirit defeats reigning NWSL champion despite Trinity Rodman’s absence
Put the Washington Spirit in bubble wrap. Plus, NWSL’s coaching pipeline problem
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HOSTS: Tamerra Griffin, Meg Linehan
GUESTS: Jeff Rueter
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
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Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com
Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime
Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here
Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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