The first match of the National Women’s Soccer League Challenge Cup will also mark another milestone for the league — the first match of NWSL commissioner Lisa Baird’s tenure.
As the first team sport to resume play in the United States, the NWSL is positioned to capture a new audience. But this moment hasn’t come without challenges. The Orlando Pride withdrew from the tournament on Monday due to a series of positive and inconclusive coronavirus test results, forcing the league to quickly revamp its tournament schedule.
With teams now set to kick off action on Saturday, here are highlights from an Orlando Sentinel interview with Baird about the tournament and what it means for the league.