By The 2023 Women’s World Cup may be coming to an end, but soccer fans in the U.S. have plenty to look forward to this fall. Attending a soccer match can provide an affordable and thrilling experience, offering the same vibrant atmosphere, concessions, and high-octane moments as other major league sporting events, often at a lower cost. This holds true for both men’s and women’s games, although the price difference may not come as a surprise.
Men’s Soccer Games: A Heavier Price Tag
When it comes to ticket prices on the resale market, men’s soccer tickets consistently demand a much higher price than women’s tickets. In the United States, there are two professional soccer leagues: the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the Major League Soccer (MLS), which caters to men’s soccer.
To gain a general understanding of average ticket costs for MLS and NWSL events, let’s turn to SeatGeek, a popular ticket resale marketplace that provides insightful data. According to SeatGeek, the average price for an MLS ticket stands at $50, while an NWSL ticket averages at $23. In other words, when visiting SeatGeek, you’ll find that women’s soccer tickets cost less than half the price of men’s soccer tickets.
Moreover, the gap in ticket costs can vary significantly from one city to another. Houston serves as an example of the starkest discrepancy, with Houston Dash NWSL tickets averaging $15 and Houston Dynamo MLS tickets averaging $45—an astonishing threefold difference.
Interestingly, ticket prices for men’s and women’s games come closest in Washington, D.C., where Washington Spirit NWSL matches average at $29, only slightly lower than D.C. United MLS team tickets priced at $42, according to SeatGeek.
Beyond Affordability: The Value of Women’s Soccer
Although the significant price disparity between NWSL and MLS tickets is a disheartening reflection of systemic discrimination in sports, it also serves as a compelling reason to direct your entertainment budget towards women’s soccer games. By supporting women’s soccer, you not only enjoy a cost-effective outing but also contribute to promoting fair opportunities and equality in the sport.
Women’s Soccer: The Rise of the NWSL
It’s no secret that the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) boasts some of the most talented professional soccer players in the world. In fact, many of these players also make up the U.S. Women’s National Team, widely considered one of the best women’s soccer teams globally.
Unlike their male counterparts, who haven’t secured a single victory in any of the 22 FIFA World Cups since 1930, the U.S. Women’s National Team has clinched an astounding four out of the eight FIFA Women’s World Cups held so far. Additionally, they have accumulated four Olympic gold medals, while the U.S. Men’s National Team has only managed to secure one Olympic bronze medal in 2000 since its inception in 1904.
Americans have started to recognize and embrace the NWSL, as attitudes towards women’s sports continue to evolve. In 2022 alone, attendance at NWSL matches skyrocketed by an impressive 80%, while revenue from ticket sales swelled by over 125%, according to CNBC. Attending an NWSL match not only allows you to support the league but also provides an opportunity to witness world-class players in action at an affordable cost.
Jessica Berman, commissioner of the National Women’s Soccer League, emphasized the crucial role of attendance in propelling the growth of any sport league. “The rocket fuel behind the growth of any sport league is attendance,” Berman stated during an interview with ESPN in 2022.
Where to Catch a Women’s Soccer Game
If you’re lucky enough to reside in one of the 12 U.S. cities with NWSL teams, make sure to catch a match near you. These cities include Cary, North Carolina; Chicago (technically Bridgeview, Illinois); Houston; Kansas City, Kansas; Los Angeles; Louisville, Kentucky; Harrison, New Jersey (in the New York area); Orlando, Florida; Portland, Oregon; San Diego; Seattle; and Washington, D.C.
However, if attending a live game is not feasible, you can still enjoy U.S. soccer matches through various streaming services. Fubo, a popular streaming platform dedicated to live sports, is an excellent option for watching these games from the comfort of your home.
As for the upcoming 2023 Women’s World Cup, you can catch all the exciting matches on the Fox Sports app, available through certain cable providers. If you prefer alternative streaming options, subscriptions to platforms like Fubo, YouTube TV, or Sling TV will serve you best. For more detailed information on how to access the Women’s World Cup, be sure to read our comprehensive guide.
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