Women’s soccer is growing fast, not just in the US but all over the world. Naturally, the betting action on NWSL has increased too.
So, let's talk about how to bet on women's soccer.
It turns out that NWSL is one of the best leagues to bet on. With less sharp competition, slower sportsbook adjustments, and strong home-field trends, there are plenty of opportunities to find value bets. The season runs from March to October, ending with the playoffs and the NWSL Championship in November.
Now, if you’re new to betting on NWSL, read on to find out what you need to know to make smarter bets.
Best betting sites for NWSL betting
Before we go into the details, let's start off by listing the best sportsbooks for women's soccer betting:
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Understand how NWSL betting works
Before placing bets, it's important to understand the basics of how odds and lines work.
Here are the main ways to bet on NWSL matches:
Moneyline
The simplest bet: pick the team that will win. Example:
- Portland Thorns -150 → Bet $150 to win $100 (favored to win)
- Orlando Pride +200 → Bet $100 to win $200 (underdog)
Over/under (totals)
Betting on the total number of goals in a match.
Example: If the line is over 2.5 goals, the match needs 3 or more goals for your bet to win.
Goal spread
Goal spreads are similar to the point spreads that are offered in other sports.
Example:
- Washington Spirit -1.5 → They must win by at least 2 goals for your bet to cash.
- Chicago Red Stars +1.5 → They can lose by 1 goal or win for your bet to win.
Draw no bet
This bet removes the draw from the equation. Meaning, ff the game ends in a tie, you get your money back instead of losing your bet.
For more details about the betting types, read these guides: How moneyline works, how odds work and what spread betting is.
How to spot value in NWSL betting
1. Follow line movements
If odds shift dramatically, there’s a reason. Sportsbooks adjust lines based on betting trends, injuries, or sharp money coming in. Always check why the line is moving before placing a bet.
2. Research teams and players, not just standings
A team’s record doesn’t tell the full story. Look beyond the standings and focus on:
- Current form – A team on a winning streak is different from a team struggling with injuries.
- Head-to-head history – Some teams match up better against specific opponents.
- Playing styles – Defensive teams tend to keep games low-scoring, which affects over/under bets.
3. Home and away performance matters
Where a match is played can have a huge impact on the outcome in the NWSL. Some teams dominate at home but struggle on the road, while others maintain consistency no matter where they play.
Why does home-field advantage matter?
- Travel fatigue. We live in a large country, and long-distance travel can affect player performance, especially with quick turnarounds between games.
- Fan support. Some NWSL teams have passionate home crowds that create an intense atmosphere, boosting their team’s energy.
- Familiar playing conditions. Teams are used to their home field’s turf, weather, and stadium environment, giving them a slight edge.
How to use this in your bets:
- Check home/away records. Some teams win the majority of their home games but struggle on the road.
- Look at goal trends. Home teams often score more goals, while away teams may play more conservatively.
- Adjust over/under bets. If a team has a strong defense at home but leaks goals away, this can influence total goals markets.
Tracking home and away performance is an easy way to spot value in NWSL betting. Some sportsbooks don’t adjust for it as much as they should, meaning sharp bettors can take advantage.
4. Don’t bet based on big names
A star player doesn’t guarantee a win (although it can feel like that sometimes when you see Messi play...). Soccer is a team sport, and team chemistry, coaching, and tactics all matter.
Look at how the team is performing as a whole, not just the individual talent.
5. Manage your bankroll
NWSL betting isn’t about hitting a huge win in one game—it’s about making smart bets consistently.
- Start small. If you’re new, ease in with smaller bets.
- Stick to a budget. Bet a percentage of your bankroll, not just what feels right.
- Track your betsLearn what’s working and where you need to adjust.

Val C. Martinez
Founder of BettingLadies.com
Fun fact: The Portland Thorns hold the record for the highest attendance in NWSL history—over 32,000 fans packed Providence Park for the 2022 final. That’s more than some MLS teams pull in!
Other ways to bet on NWSL
There’s more to NWSL betting than just moneyline and totals.
Here are some other popular bets:
Futures bets
Future bets are placed on things that will happen, you know, in the future :-)
This can be betting on season-long outcomes, such as:
- NWSL Championship winner
- Supporters’ Shield winner (best regular-season record)
- MVP and Rookie of the Year
Player props
Props are fun because you are not just betting on the team you think will win. Instead, you are betting on individual player performances, such as:
- Megan Rapinoe over/under 0.5 goals
- Lynn Williams over/under 1.5 shots on goal
- Rose Lavelle over/under 2.5 assists
Parlays
We have a guide to parlay betting that you should read, but the short of it is this: you combine multiple bets for a bigger payout.
Example:
- Portland Thorns to win + over 2.5 goals
- Live betting. Betting while the game is happening. If a team looks strong in the first half, you can bet on them to score in the second half.
Here is a crazy FanDuel parlay that hit (read the story here)

Final thoughts
Betting on NWSL isn’t about guessing—it’s about strategy. Stay updated on team news, follow line movements, and make informed bets instead of relying on hype. Whether you’re betting on a single match or season-long futures, the key is research, discipline, and smart money management.
Start small, track your bets, and adjust as you learn. That’s how you turn NWSL betting into a profitable and enjoyable experience.

Val C. Martinez
Founder of BettingLadies.com