Seattle Reign look to build on 2025 playoff run

Reign return largely intact, focused on improving possession, chance creation, and finishing

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The 2026 NWSL season opens Sunday when the Seattle Reign travel to Florida to face the Orlando Pride, a tough road test to start what figures to be the club's most important year in recent memory. After returning to the playoffs in 2025, only to see that run end against the Pride without a goal, this Reign squad returns hungry and largely intact.

Why it matters

The Reign are looking to build on their 2025 playoff appearance and take the next step as a perennial contender in the NWSL. With a talented and experienced roster, they have high expectations for the 2026 season and will be aiming to make a deep playoff run and potentially challenge for the NWSL championship.

The details

Head coach Laura Harvey and general manager Lesle Gallimore made a deliberate choice this offseason to invest in the group already here, with 22 returning players and a clear focus on improving possession, chance creation, and finishing - areas that stalled them in 2025. The Reign have a deep and flexible roster, with options at every position, but will need their young midfield core to step up and provide the creativity and chance-making that was lacking at times last season.

  • The 2026 NWSL season opens on Sunday, March 15.
  • The Reign's first match is against the Orlando Pride.

The players

Laura Harvey

Head coach of the Seattle Reign.

Lesle Gallimore

General manager of the Seattle Reign.

Claudia Dickey

Starting goalkeeper for the Seattle Reign and a regular on the U.S. Women's National Team.

Jordyn Bugg

Defender for the Seattle Reign and a U.S. Women's National Team regular.

Jess Fishlock

Veteran midfielder for the Seattle Reign, returning for her 14th season and the all-time leading goal-scorer for the Wales national team.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Reign's first match of the 2026 NWSL season is on Sunday, March 15 against the Orlando Pride.

The takeaway

The Seattle Reign have a talented and experienced roster, and are looking to build on their 2025 playoff appearance. With a focus on improving possession, chance creation, and finishing, the Reign have high expectations for the 2026 season and will be aiming to make a deep playoff run and challenge for the NWSL championship.