After months of offseason planning, new coaching hires, new signings and weeks of preseason preparation, the 2025 NWSL regular season is finally here – and it's time to predict how it will all shake out.

The reigning champion Orlando Pride opened the National Women's Soccer League season on Friday night with a 6-0 home field rout over the Chicago Stars.

The defending champs got the season off to a strong start with a six-goal win — tying the largest margin of victory in NWSL history.

An Iranian sports climber, widely praised in 2022 for competing without a hijab at the height of nationwide protests, has left the country, her brother and an Iranian official said.Some reports suggested she had been pressured by Iranian officials while in South Korea although this was vehemently denied by Iran's Seoul embassy. sjw/jh/dv

With the National Women's Soccer League returning to action this weekend, we take a look at where the 14 clubs stands and how close each is to winning the NWSL championship.

The Stars suffered a 6-0 loss to the reigning champion Pride in the NWSL season opener in Orlando. Barbra Banda scored a pair of goals for the Pride, who tied the club record for most goals in a match.

The league’s premier games are played Friday nights on Prime Video, and Orlando only had three last season. There’s no fewer than eight in 2025.

With the excitement surrounding the new season, all eyes will be on the Pride as they aim to defend their title and set the tone for another championship campaign.