The 2025 National Women`s Soccer League season continues, and it`s time for the updated power rankings. After three weeks of play, and as the league pauses for international matches, these rankings will hold until NWSL action resumes.
Significant changes have already occurred since the previous rankings. A key question of the season might be getting an early answer: Who will challenge Orlando for league dominance? Early indications point towards Kansas City Current.
While a major shake-up in the top four was unexpected so early, it`s exciting to see even the league`s best teams creating intrigue. Washington Spirit maintains its elite status, but Kansas City and Orlando are formidable contenders. Gotham FC may face challenges after Tierna Davidson`s knee injury, which also affects her USWNT availability.
The mid-tier teams are in a phase of solidifying their starting lineups and refining their strategies. Meanwhile, the lower rankings see some new teams alongside familiar ones.
This break offers teams a chance to regroup for the remainder of the season. Don`t miss any of the excitement. NWSL regular season games are available on CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network.
2025 NWSL Week 3 Power Rankings
| Rank | Team | Change | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Kansas City Current | +1 | It`s clear now. Kansas City Current is dominating games in every aspect. They are performing exceptionally well against playoff contenders, setting a high standard for the league. |
| 2. | Orlando Pride | -1 | Barbra Banda hasn`t scored in two weeks, and relying on a defensive midfielder for goals is only a partial positive when your MVP candidate isn`t scoring. Still a top team and will remain a league powerhouse even with a slight ranking drop. |
| 3. | Washington Spirit | — | Trinity Rodman has returned with limited minutes, and Ashley Hatch is performing excellently. However, the defense is the standout unit for DC this week, showing great cohesion among Rebecal Bernal, Tara McKeown, Esme Morgan, and Casey Krueger. |
| 4. | NJ/NY Gotham FC | -– | Grit alone will only keep this team in the top four for so long. They need to use this break to address injury concerns if they want to secure wins in the early part of the season. |
| 5. | Houston Dash | +1 | The Dash have been challenging playoff-level teams early in the season and are climbing the rankings. This raises a new question: Are they a dark horse or a sleeping giant? |
| 6. | Seattle Reign FC | -1 | Seattle Reign FC struggled to maintain possession and create meaningful scoring opportunities. With ongoing injuries to key experienced players, it`s time for the coaching staff to trust their faster bench players more. |
| 7. | North Carolina Courage | -1 | A winnable game slipped away. Despite their efforts, Courage continues to struggle to secure a decisive victory. Perhaps Jaedyn Shaw`s time with the national team will help spark a turnaround. |
| 8. | Angel City FC | +3 | Angel City breaks into the upper half of the rankings. Strong performances from Alyssa and Gisele Thompson, Savy King, Kennedy Fuller, and Riley Tiernan are key to their rise. Hopefully, interim manager Sam Laity will continue to play the younger players. |
| 9. | San Diego Wave FC | +1 | San Diego Wave challenged Orlando and, despite losing, showed growing teamwork between new players and veterans. The midfield is connecting well, and the Wave might have found solutions in Kenza Dali and Gia Corely. |
| 10. | Utah Royals | -2 | Utah is increasingly looking like a team that benefited from a temporary coaching boost last year rather than a true dark horse. They need to reset quickly, and this break is a good opportunity for the coaching staff to make immediate adjustments. |
| 11. | Bay FC | -2 | Bay FC failed to capitalize on their chances and make a statement against a top-four team. The ideas are there, but the execution is lacking. Rising teams will eventually outperform them if no changes are made. |
| 12. | Racing Louisville FC | — | Racing Louisville effectively took advantage of an opportunity this week, playing against the lowest-ranked team in the league. More is needed to climb higher in the rankings. |
| 13. | Portland Thorns FC | — | A standout performance by goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold secured a result for Portland. A penalty save and questionable shot selection indicate Thorns are still searching for momentum. |
| 14. | Chicago Stars FC | — | Facing another struggling team might seem like a chance to change things, but apparently not for the Stars. The forecast for them in the rankings is cloudy with a chance of last place. |
