What is the NWSL Shield?
The NWSL Shield is an award given to the National Women’s Soccer League club with the best regular season record as determined by the NWSL points system. You can view the point system format on the NWSL website.
What is the point system format for the NWSL Shield?
As of 2023, the point system for the NWSL is the international standard: three points for a win, one point for a tie and zero points for a loss. If there is a tie in total points by the end of the season, then the following tie-breakers will be used:
- Head-to-head record: The most points earned against all other teams that are tied.
- Goal differential during the season.
- Total goals for scored throughout the season.
- Head-to-head road record: The team with the most points earned on the road against all other teams that are tied.
- Road goal differential during the season.
- Total road goals for scored for throughout the season.
- Coin toss.
NWSL Shield Winners
| Season | Winners | Points / Points Per Game |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Western New York Flash | 38 / 1.73 |
| 2014 | Seattle Reign FC | 54 / 2.25 |
| 2015 | Seattle Reign FC | 43 / 2.15 |
| 2016 | Portland Thorns FC | 41 / 2.05 |
| 2017 | North Carolina Courage | 49 / 2.04 |
| 2018 | North Carolina Courage | 57 / 2.38 |
| 2019 | North Carolina Courage | 49 / 2.09 |
| 2020 | Season canceled due Covid-19 | – |
| 2021 | Portland Thorns FC | 44 / 1.83 |
| 2022 | OL Reign | 40 / 1.82 |
Remember, the NWSL Shield is an award for the most points. This does not mean that they won the NWSL Challenge Cup or NWSL Championship.