San Diego Wave Top NWSL Power Rankings, Washington Spirit Climb

ESPN's latest NWSL rankings see new leaders and a resurgent Washington club.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:19pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a women's soccer match, with fragmented shapes and planes of color representing the players and ball.The NWSL's top teams battle it out on the pitch, with the San Diego Wave and Washington Spirit emerging as early season powerhouses.San Diego Today

The San Diego Wave have taken over the top spot in ESPN's latest NWSL Power Rankings, while the Washington Spirit have made a strong climb up the list after a slow start to the season.

Why it matters

The NWSL is one of the premier women's professional soccer leagues in the world, and these power rankings provide an authoritative assessment of which teams are performing best and positioning themselves for a potential championship run.

The details

The San Diego Wave, an expansion team that joined the NWSL last year, have surged to the top of the rankings thanks to their strong start to the 2026 season. Meanwhile, the Washington Spirit, who won the NWSL Championship in 2021, have rebounded from an early-season slump and climbed back up the rankings.

  • The latest NWSL Power Rankings were published on April 7, 2026.

The players

San Diego Wave

An expansion team that joined the NWSL in 2025 and has quickly emerged as one of the top teams in the league.

Washington Spirit

The 2021 NWSL Champions who have bounced back from a slow start to the 2026 season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The NWSL continues to showcase some of the best women's soccer talent in the world, with new powerhouses like the San Diego Wave emerging alongside established contenders like the Washington Spirit. Fans can look forward to an exciting and competitive season as these teams battle for playoff positioning and a shot at the championship.