NWSL & Syracuse University Launch Online Education Program for Players & Families

The partnership aims to support the long-term development of athletes beyond their playing careers.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and Syracuse University have launched a new online education program that provides current and former NWSL players, their families, and league staff access to flexible, 100% online degrees and certificates in areas like business, project management, leadership, and sport analytics. This initiative represents a growing trend among professional sports leagues to invest in the long-term development of their athletes beyond their playing careers.

Why it matters

This partnership reflects a broader shift in how professional sports leagues view their responsibility to athletes, recognizing the need to support their transition to second careers and provide them with the 'career capital' needed to succeed in various industries. The flexible, accessible learning format caters to the demanding schedules of professional athletes, removing common barriers to higher education.

The details

The NWSL/Syracuse University program offers online degrees and certificates from renowned schools like the Falk College of Sport, the Whitman School of Management, the Newhouse School of Public Communications, and the College of Professional Studies. The program also provides pre-academic English language support and credit transfer assessments to personalize the learning experience for athletes. In addition to the online offerings, participants have access to Syracuse University's 'away' centers in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.

  • The partnership between the NWSL and Syracuse University was launched on February 24, 2026.
  • Major League Soccer (MLS) established a similar program with Syracuse University in October 2025.

The players

NWSL

The National Women's Soccer League, a professional women's soccer league in the United States and Canada.

Syracuse University

A private research university located in Syracuse, New York, known for its renowned schools like the Falk College of Sport, the Whitman School of Management, the Newhouse School of Public Communications, and the College of Professional Studies.

Briana Gilmartin

The NWSL League Player Partner, who emphasizes the league's mission to support its athletes not just as players, but as people with diverse ambitions and bright futures.

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What they’re saying

“Our mission at the NWSL has always been to champion our athletes not just as players, but as people with diverse ambitions and bright futures.”

— Briana Gilmartin, NWSL League Player Partner (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The program website provides information on tuition aid, scholarships, and grants for participants, and encourages athletes to explore the networking opportunities the program may provide to connect with professionals in various fields.

The takeaway

This partnership between the NWSL and Syracuse University is part of a broader trend in professional sports leagues investing in the long-term development of their athletes, recognizing the need to support their transition to second careers and provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in various industries beyond their playing years.