NWSL kicks off 12th season with 2 new expansion clubs and momentum aplenty

Now that the National Women's Soccer League has effectively distanced itself from the turbulence of two years ago, commissioner Jessica Berman is extolling the league's momentum heading into Season 12 and beyond.

The NWSL has two new teams in Bay FC and the Utah Royals, a new media rights deal that will provide fans greater access to games and an infusion of international talent.

"Really this is the table being set for the future of the league," Berman said Thursday. "We believe that we reset the league in 2022, 2023 we established the foundation and this is the point we really feel like the league is going to take off."

It kicks off Friday with the Challenge Cup, a match at New Jersey's Red Bull Arena between defending league champion Gotham FC and the San Diego Wave, who won the NWSL Shield for the best record last year.

Portland will carry a distinct Canadian connection throughout the season. Not only is Thorns captain Christine Sinclair set to compete in her final competitive soccer season after retiring from the national team, but she'll now be joined by midfielder Jessie Fleming, who inherited the captain's armband for Team Canada.

Fleming, the 25-year-old from London, Ont, will participate in her first NWSL campaign following an off-season transfer from England's Chelsea that was reportedly worth nearly $315,000 US.

Veteran Canadian Janine Beckie hopes to round out the Canadian Thorns trio as she works her way back from a torn ACL suffered last March.

LISTEN | Fleming joins CBC Sports' Player's Own Voice podcast:

The NWSL was marred by scandal in late 2021, when then-North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley was accused of sexual coercion and misconduct. He was immediately dismissed and then-commissioner Lisa