U.S. Soccer has announced the launch of the Arthur M. Blank Crest Cup, a new single-elimination tournament that will see the winner qualify for the Concacaf W Champions Cup. The competition will feature every team from the NWSL and the USL Super League, according to multiple reports, and the winner will receive a $1.1 million prize.
U.S. Soccer did not announce a launch date, but ESPN reported that the tournament is expected to begin in 2028. The cup will emulate the FA Cup in England or the U.S. Open Cup in the United States, which bring together clubs from across a country's soccer pyramid to compete for a single trophy.
U.S. women's national team head coach Emma Hayes said in a U.S. Soccer news release that domestic cup competitions are an important part of the women's game. Having competed in many Women's FA Cup tournaments with Chelsea, she said she has seen firsthand what these competitions mean to players, clubs and communities. She added that the Crest Cup will strengthen the competitive landscape in the USA and create more opportunities for young players to showcase their skills in a high-stakes environment.
U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson said the Crest Cup represents a defining moment for women's soccer in the country. The tournament is named after Arthur M. Blank, owner of incoming NWSL expansion side Atlanta City FC, as well as Atlanta United in MLS and the NFL's Atlanta Falcons. The NWSL will expand to 18 teams by 2028, while the USL Super League, launched in 2024, currently has eight teams.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing