The 2026 NWSL season kicks off tonight, so we’re putting out one last call for anyone interested in joining us in the NWSL fantasy games. While it is probably too late to join a draft league on Hera Games, the other two main sites are active again this year: ShePlays and Fantasy NWSL. Make sure you sign up and make a team today since the games lock on first kick this evening.
Both games are, on the surface, substantially similar to Sofascore's MLS game. You get a budget to pick 15 players and manage your roster throughout the season with limited free transfers. Fantasy NWSL has an app, but both are available in web browsers. Notably, ShePlays has had a big makeover for this season with much-improved UI functionality.
Both games limit you to just two free transfers weekly, unfortunately. So, adjusting to injuries, bye weeks and international absences can be very difficult. Negative points from transfers are needed regularly to keep up, but often are worthwhile.
The biggest difference between the games is the scoring. Fantasy NWSL is largely straightforward, with almost all the available points coming from minutes played, goals scored or conceded and assists. The bonus points are largely limited to three players per match, with the top player by their metrics getting 3, then 2 and 1. You can also earn "visionary points" by selecting a player who is selected by fewer than 2% of fantasy teams and scores points beyond just minutes played.
ShePlays, meanwhile, has a robust bonus point system that tracks all kinds of action on the pitch. I'll let them explain the details on their blog. Their gameweek schedule also does not exactly follow what you would expect (there are zero double game weeks, I think), which I will also let them explain in detail. Note that even if you had a prior account on their site, you may need to sign up for a new one due to their site refresh.
The other main difference is in player pricing. While budgets are similarly restrictive in both games, ShePlays is much more accurate (in my opinion) in terms of pricing players for their expected impact on the pitch. Fantasy NWSL also has some players priced oddly, especially Sophia Wilson at just $6.5m to start the season since she is coming off of "injury." Prices will change through the season on Fantasy NWSL, so this quirk will likely work itself out as the year progresses. On ShePlays, I expect they will continue their practice of keeping prices the same all season, so a lot of people will end up gravitating towards the very good bargain players (think Criox Bethune in her rookie season).
ShePlays is also (mostly) saving people from themselves by not yet making players available who are currently out due to long-term injuries. A third of teams on Fantasy NWSL have Temwa Chawinga, who is still out for a long-term injury. There are also large portions picking Barbra Banda and Mal Swanson and Lindsey Heaps as well. Heaps isn't even joining the league until July! Though you might excuse folks since almost all of Denver's advertising features her.
All that said, I believe both games will be fun. I have set up Ride of the Valkyries leagues on both sites for everyone to join if interested. While I am not as plugged into the league and do not feel qualified to give substantive fantasy advice, I will be playing and enjoying myself yet again, and our Discord is always a good spot to discuss rosters. Just make sure to remember to set your lineups today!
ShePlays code: ROVALKS
Fantasy NWSL code: TFAMJF
