U.S. Soccer announces Arthur M. Blank Crest Cup for women's clubs

U.S. Soccer has announced the creation of the Arthur M. Blank Crest Cup, a new national single-elimination tournament designed to crown a unified champion for women’s professional soccer in the United States. The competition will bring together clubs from both the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the Gainbridge Super League (GSL).

The inaugural tournament is expected to feature 24 teams, including 16 from the NWSL and eight from the Super League. The competition will offer a total prize pool exceeding $1.5 million, with the winner receiving a $1.1 million prize and a qualification pathway to the Concacaf W Champions Cup.

Named after financier Arthur M. Blank, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between the country’s two top-tier professional leagues. While a specific start date has not yet been established, U.S. Soccer officials stated they are working with league stakeholders to coordinate a schedule that respects existing league calendars. Some reports suggest a potential launch as early as 2028.