NWSL's Current, Wave to play World Sevens event

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, October 28th 2025 at 9:01 GMT by ESPN

Kansas City Current and San Diego Wave Join the World Sevens Football Showcase

In a bold move to broaden the reach of women’s soccer, the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) Kansas City Current and San Diego Wave have announced their participation in the upcoming World Sevens Football tournament. The event, set to take place over two days in March 2025 in the coastal city of La Jolla, promises to bring together some of the fastest‑moving athletes in the sport for a high‑intensity, 7‑v‑7 competition that is rapidly gaining global traction.

A New Frontier for Women’s Soccer

Sevens football is an emerging variant of the traditional 11‑a‑side game, featuring seven players per side on a half‑size pitch. The format’s quick tempo—four 10‑minute quarters instead of two 45‑minute halves—offers fans a fast‑paced spectacle while providing players with a platform to showcase their technical skills, speed, and creativity in a condensed setting. The World Sevens Football league, organized by the International Football Federation, launched its inaugural season in 2023, and the 2025 edition is expected to host teams from the U.S., Australia, Brazil, Nigeria, and several European nations.

“We’re excited to be part of a growing movement that’s redefining how women’s soccer can be played and viewed,” said Kansas City Current Head Coach Becky Burleigh. “Sevens is a perfect showcase for the athleticism and flair our players bring to the pitch.”

The Current and Wave Line‑ups

The Current will field a squad featuring several first‑team regulars, including midfielder and captain Kealia Ohai, defender Maya Nunez, and forward Emily Fanning, who is set to test her skills against international competition. The Wave’s roster will be anchored by seasoned striker Ashley Hall, goalkeeper Sarah Dodd, and young talent Kelsey Hays, all of whom have expressed enthusiasm about the sevens format’s unique challenges.

“We’re looking forward to a new set of tactical challenges,” said Wave Director of Football, Melissa Johnson. “Sevens requires different positioning, more one‑on‑one play, and a faster pace, which will push our players to develop their game further.”

Scheduling and Logistics

The tournament will run from March 15–16, 2025, with group stage matches on the first day and a knockout round on the second. Both teams will share the same venue at the La Jolla Sports Center, which has been equipped with 90‑meter by 60‑meter pitch dimensions and 3‑minute changeover periods. Travel arrangements for the Current and Wave have already been finalized: both teams will fly into San Diego on March 13, with accommodations arranged at the nearby Hilton Garden Inn.

In addition to the main event, the league will host a series of community outreach activities, including clinics for youth players, coaching workshops, and a “Meet the Players” open‑practice session. The Current’s community outreach coordinator, Marisa Gonzales, highlighted the significance of such events for growing the sport locally.

“Sevens is not just about the competition; it’s a platform to engage with fans and inspire the next generation,” Gonzales said. “We’ll be bringing the Current’s players into schools and parks to showcase the sport’s accessibility.”

Strategic Implications for the NWSL

The NWSL’s involvement in the World Sevens Football tournament reflects a broader strategy to increase visibility and diversify revenue streams for women’s professional soccer. By aligning with an international competition that is gaining popularity on social media platforms and in emerging markets, the league hopes to attract new sponsors and expand its fanbase.

Sports economist Dr. Amelia Reyes of the University of Illinois noted that sevens football offers a “high‑return, low‑investment” model for clubs. “The reduced field size and shorter game times lower operational costs, while the excitement factor can boost streaming numbers and merchandise sales.”

Reyes also pointed out that the format aligns well with the evolving preferences of younger audiences, who favor shorter, high‑impact content. “A 40‑minute match is more digestible for a generation that grew up with TikTok and YouTube Shorts.”

Player Perspectives

Players from both squads have shared their excitement on social media. Current forward Emily Fanning posted a video in which she said, “Sevens football is all about skill, speed, and teamwork. I can’t wait to represent the Current on the world stage.” Meanwhile, Wave striker Ashley Hall expressed a personal challenge: “I’ve always wanted to play in a sevens environment. It’s a great way to sharpen my game and learn new tactical concepts.”

In addition to the NWSL players, the tournament will feature guest athletes from the U.S. Women’s National Team. Former U.S. captain Megan Rapinoe will be coaching a mixed‑team friendly match on the opening day, bringing additional star power and experience to the event.

Media Coverage and Broadcast

The World Sevens Football tournament will be streamed live on the league’s official platform and on ESPN’s streaming service, providing broad accessibility to a global audience. In addition, local broadcast partners in the U.S., Australia, and Brazil will provide commentary in multiple languages. This partnership is expected to generate significant viewership numbers, as the NWSL’s current average match viewership hovers around 400,000 live viewers.

The tournament’s social media strategy includes a dedicated hashtag, #WorldSevensWomen, and will feature behind‑the‑scenes content from the players, coaching staff, and stadium staff. The league’s official YouTube channel has already begun posting teaser footage from training sessions.

Looking Forward

The World Sevens Football tournament is not just a one‑off event; it is the first of what the NWSL hopes to become a regular fixture in the club calendar. The league’s executive team is already in talks with the International Football Federation to formalize a partnership that could see the NWSL clubs participating in a yearly sevens league. The potential for a separate sevens championship or a crossover with other national leagues has also been mentioned.

“Participating in the World Sevens Football tournament is a step toward a more dynamic, globally connected NWSL,” said Current Head Coach Becky Burleigh. “It’s about expanding the brand, creating new opportunities for our players, and connecting with fans around the world.”

As the Kansas City Current and San Diego Wave prepare to travel to La Jolla, the excitement surrounding women’s soccer continues to build. The tournament will showcase the athleticism and ingenuity of the NWSL’s top talent while signaling a shift toward more diverse and engaging formats for the sport. Whether the sevens format becomes a staple in the league’s schedule remains to be seen, but for now, the Current and Wave are set to lead the charge, proving that women's soccer can thrive in a variety of exciting new arenas.