North Carolina Courage kicked off the 2026 season with a record-breaking attendance of 8,159 fans at their first home match.

What's driving the growth?

The NWSL has seen a significant increase in attendance, with 129,202 fans across eight matches for an average of 16,150 per game, setting a new opening weekend attendance record.

Why it matters for North Carolina Courage

This growth is not limited to one big night, but is becoming part of the rhythm of the season, from home openers to finales to the matches in between.

What comes next?

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup bringing global attention to the sport, Commissioner Jessica Berman believes the tournament can introduce new audiences to the game and create a lasting connection with the league. The Courage roster reflects the reach of the modern game, with players representing countries including Canada, Sweden, Japan, Nigeria, Germany, England, and the United States. | Date | Attendance | | --- | --- | | 2025 season | 100,000+ | | 2026 season opener | 8,159 | | November 2 season finale | 11,000+ tickets sold