The 2025 NWSL regular season continues to unfold after a busy weekend featuring seven matches. My power rankings are also evolving. As the season hits the five-week mark, we`re seeing competitive performances from trending teams. After three consecutive weeks with the same two teams at the top, recent results have finally led to changes in the upper part of the rankings.
A key theme for week five was rivalry, not just geographically, but crucial head-to-head matchups that offer insights into potential playoff scenarios beyond just a single high-stakes game. Orlando and Washington faced off for the first time since November 2024 without a championship on the line. The outcome significantly impacted their positions compared to my previous week four rankings.
The middle section of the rankings typically sees the most movement, and week five was no different, with teams ranked between fifth and ninth making notable progress. San Diego is steadily climbing the charts, and it feels like we`ve reached the point in the season where the California teams will frequently contend for position.
Unfortunately, the lower end of the rankings is starting to solidify, much like the top tier. Chicago, Louisville, and Utah have had a difficult opening five weeks, and current trends suggest this pattern may continue for a while.
Week six is already here, marking the rapid approach of the season`s quarter point. Fans can catch select NWSL regular season matches across various platforms.
2025 NWSL Power Rankings
| Rank | Team | Change | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Kansas City Current | — | Maintaining a five-game winning streak with goals coming from diverse players throughout the roster, including early league MVP contender Debinha. They are performing strongly against all types of opponents, from top contenders to those at the bottom. |
| 2. | Washington Spirit | +1 | Even without Trinity Rodman for now, the Spirit are showcasing their roster depth. They remain a challenging top team for lesser opponents and a formidable challenge for the league`s elite squads. |
| 3. | Orlando Pride | -1 | It feels unusual to place Orlando third. They are a strong team who often secure narrow victories, but this caught up with them in week five. They will need to be more efficient in front of goal to reclaim a top spot. |
| 4. | NJ/NY Gotham FC | — | Gotham has maintained momentum post-international break. Alongside Kansas City, they are in excellent form despite managing injuries within the squad. |
| 5. | Seattle Reign FC | +1 | Seattle delivered a significant performance against the Portland Thorns, highlighted by Lynn Biyendolo`s first start of the season. This is a good moment for the Reign to climb the rankings. |
| 6. | Angel City FC | -1 | Coaching adjustments didn`t yield results against playoff contender Gotham FC last week. Interim coach Sam Laity has about a month to refine lineups before newly appointed manager Alexander Straus arrives in June. |
| 7. | San Diego Wave FC | +1 | The tide is rising for San Diego as they continue to ascend the rankings. French international players Delphine Cascarino and Kenza Dali are consistently delivering clutch performances, making San Diego look more dangerous each week. |
| 8. | Houston Dash | -1 | The initial excitement seems to be fading for Houston. There are reasons for optimism with first-year strategic moves and a new head coach, but these won`t matter without achieving winning results. |
| 9. | Bay FC | +2 | They have moved up the table thanks to a standout performance from Kiki Pickett. If they can find ways to convert more of their chances, they might break into the top half of the rankings. |
| 10. | North Carolina Courage | -1 | They are currently struggling. The game plan is there, but the players are finding it difficult to execute. Perhaps a tactical adjustment is needed as things are not working effectively. |
| 11. | Portland Thorns FC | -1 | They couldn`t capitalize during moments of momentum in a rivalry game. One win in five matches puts them in a similar position to this time last year, which is not where they want to be. |
| 12. | Utah Royals | — | You have to take wins when and where you can get them, and sometimes that means beating another struggling team. Ally Sentnor`s composure on penalties has been a positive note. |
| 13. | Chicago Stars FC | — | The coaching staff made numerous substitutions, as travel and altitude appeared to impact their performance late in the game. This was perhaps the most memorable aspect of their week five showing. |
| 14. | Racing Louisville FC | — | Each passing week raises new questions for Louisville. This week`s big question is, `What is the path forward from here?` |
