The NWSL and Liga MX Femenil have announced that the two leagues will join together for a tournament this summer.
All 14 NWSL teams and six teams from Liga MX will take part in the 2024 NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup, with every match aside from the championship taking place between July 19 and the week of August 4.
That period will coincide with the 2024 Olympics, as the NWSL takes a break from its regular season. The tournament closely mirrors the Leagues Cup, which will take place during a similar time period and feature every team from MLS and Liga MX.
The Summer Cup will feature five groups of four teams each, with every team guaranteed at least three matches before the semifinal round. The final will take place on the weekend of October 25-27.
The format means that one of the five group winners won’t advance to the semifinal round, which will feature the top four point-earners among the five group winners.
A quick look at the NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup tournament groups and format. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/TztnU0udEO
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 20, 2024
Broadcast details, playoff schedule details and full competition rules are set to be announced in the coming weeks.
“Today’s announcement marks a historic milestone for women’s soccer in North America and another significant step in the continued elevation of our global game,” said NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman.
“We’re excited to partner with Liga MX Femenil to create additional competitive opportunities for our athletes, unlock new rivalries, tap into our collective fanbases and continue our shared mission of raising the value, visibility and global standard of our sport.”
The six teams with the most points in the Liga MX Femenil Clausura and Apertura during 2023 qualified for the Summer Cup, a group that includes Tigres, Club América, Chivas, Monterrey, Pachuca and Tijuana.
“The alliance we are announcing today is a great achievement for women’s football in our region and around the world — two great women’s professional football leagues coming together to advance the sport in our area, expand and grow the industry, build a new sporting identity and rivalry, strengthen partnerships beyond the pitch, inspire more people to join the movement, build community and open up new opportunities for players to have new windows of internationalization,” said Liga MX Femenil director Mariana Gutierrez.
“Liga MX Femenil is proud and privileged to work together with the NWSL. Let us celebrate that this is a historic moment for women and sport.”
2024 NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup groups
Group A
- Portland Thorns
- Seattle Reign
- Utah Royals
- Tijuana
Group B
- Angel City FC
- San Diego Wave
- Bay FC
- Club América
Group C
- Kansas City Current
- Houston Dash
- Tigres
- Pachuca
Group D
- NJ/NY Gotham FC
- Washington Spirit
- Chicago Red Stars
- Chivas
Group E
- Orlando Pride
- North Carolina Courage
- Racing Louisville FC
- Monterrey
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