Section 2: Equipment
The Ball
NWSL matches use a FIFA Quality Programme approved match ball: spherical, 68–70 cm circumference, 410–450 g at the start of the match, and inflated to 0.6–1.1 atmospheres of pressure at sea level (IFAB Law 2). The league designates a single official match ball supplier each season; clubs must use the league-approved ball model in all regular-season and postseason competitions.
Players' Equipment
- Jersey or shirt with sleeves (sleeveless undershirts must match the primary color of the jersey sleeve)
- Shorts (compression undershorts or tights, if worn, must match the primary color of the shorts)
- Socks (any tape applied externally must match the color of the sock at the point of contact)
- Shin guards covered entirely by the socks, made of suitable material providing reasonable protection
- Footwear (cleats appropriate to the playing surface)
- The goalkeeper wears colors that distinguish them from outfield players, the opposing goalkeeper, and the match officials
Captain's Armband and Identification
Each club designates one starting captain per match who wears a captain's armband visible to the match officials. Identification of the captain is operative for the 2026 "Only The Captain" rule (Section 7), under which only the captain may approach the referee to discuss a stoppage decision once the referee has stepped back to indicate the no-approach zone.
Permitted and Prohibited Items
- Permitted: religious head coverings, prescription eyewear approved as match-safe, soft headbands, soft sweatbands, and protective casts approved in advance by the match medical staff
- Permitted: heart-rate or GPS performance trackers worn under the jersey
- Prohibited: jewelry of any kind (including taped-over items), hard casts not approved by medical, anything dangerous to the player or others (IFAB Law 4)
Goal Frames and Nets
Goals are 7.32 m wide by 2.44 m high (IFAB Law 1), painted white, securely anchored, and fitted with nets that do not interfere with the goalkeeper or with retrieved balls.