What you need to know as U.S. Soccer launches its first women's club cup competition
On Wednesday, the United States Soccer Federation unveiled a first-of-its-kind single-elimination tournament for women's soccer clubs in the country, which will be known as the Arthur M. Blank Crest Cup.
It is worth noting that, at this time, there aren't that many specific details about the new competition and what it will specifically look like, especially given that it is still in the development stages. That said, the ever-expanding club level of women's soccer in the United States, both in terms of fan support and the number of teams, is seen to be driving the momentum for this tournament.
This piece will address the information that is publicly available with regard to the tournament and its launch at this point in time.
Who is it going to involve? How many teams could take part?
The competition is set to include the National Women's Super League, the top women's soccer league in the United States, in addition to smaller leagues like that of the Gainbridge Super League. While it is unknown what the structure and qualification format for the tournament itself could look like, the ongoing addition of clubs and divisions to the women's soccer system could yield a tournament that features plenty of rounds even for its opening edition.
Just this season, the NWSL brought Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC into its realm of influence as expansion sides. Next year, the NWSL will be adding a second division, while 2028 will see Atlanta and Columbus join the league as expansion franchises. When 2028 rolls around, there will be 18 teams between the NWSL's top two divisions. With the Gainbridge Super League considered, there will be a combined 26 clubs that could very well take part in the inaugural edition of the Arthur M. Blank Crest Cup.
If that ends up producing a tournament of five or even six rounds, that could open the door for clubs to make an early impact regardless of division.
When could the tournament start?
The Arthur M. Blank Cup does not have a projected inaugural season at this point in time, but it is worth noting that all the relevant discussions are taking place in order to ensure that the tournament is brought into the women's soccer landscape in the United States in the most effective way possible.
What do the winners get?
The competition will act as a means for clubs to qualify for the CONCACAF W Champions Cup, which is the top continental tournament for women's soccer clubs in North America. In terms of prize money, the winning club will receive just over $1 million. Combined, clubs will receive $1.5 million through their participation in the tournament.
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