The 2026 NWSL season kicks off on Friday. Our writers discuss the teams, players and story lines they’re watching this yearHow the High Impact Player (HIP) rule evolves the NWSL’s place in the global transfer market. The league has regained some control of the “is the NWSL still the best leagu e in the world” narrative, keeping Trinity Rodman on a deal via this new mechanism. The next transfer window or two will be a fascinating test of the league’s willingness to ease restrictions and let its teams reach as far as they’d like. JR Continue reading... ...read more read less