NWSL returns with the Challenge Cup, but the question remains: What is its purpose?

The NWSL Challenge Cup is upon us, which means it is again time to question its purpose and future. What was created as the NWSL’s month-long return to play tournament during the summer of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Challenge Cup has been a one-off match since 2024 between the league’s championship winners and regular season winners — assuming they are two different teams. (In 2025, Orlando Pride won both titles, so NWSL Championship runners-up Washington Spirit were their opponents.) For 2026,

By Jason Griffith for PeeDeeWire

Yahoo Sports reports: The NWSL Challenge Cup is upon us, which means it is again time to question its purpose and future. What was created as the NWSL’s month-long return to play tournament during the summer of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Challenge Cup has been a one-off match since 2024 between the league’s championship winners and regular season winners — assuming they are two different teams. (In 2025, Orlando Pride won both titles, so NWSL Championship runners-up Washington Spirit were their opponents.) For 2026,