U.S. Soccer and its professional women's leagues are in preliminary talks about launching an interleague competition as early as 2028, per multiple sources. The NWSL and USL Super League, both sanctioned as first divisions, along with the forthcoming WPSL Pro, are all part of the discussions. A source said the competition won't be called an "Open Cup" and details remain under wraps.

Scheduling poses a major challenge. The NWSL runs January through November and won't flip to a fall-to-spring calendar until at least 2030. The USL Super League plays August through May, while WPSL Pro will launch in 2028 on a spring-to-fall schedule. Amateur leagues like the WPSL and USL W-League operate only May through July, so their inclusion is unclear.

The NWSL's earlier attempts at shoulder competition, including the Challenge Cup and the flawed 2024 crossover with Liga MX Femenil, ended in disappointment. A source close to the talks said planners are starting with a blank slate rather than copying the men's Open Cup. This competition could finally give NWSL and USL Super League teams regular-season matchups they currently lack.