Star Wars fans have much to look forward to this spring. Celebration Japan 2025 will no doubt bring exciting announcements, and the second season of Andor has many fans awaiting the show's return. Though, if you're looking for something different, you may want to look at the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) for other ways to celebrate the Star Wars fandom.
The National Women's Soccer League and its teams have hosted several themed nights in relation to the franchise and should be doing it this year. In 2019, the Washington Spirit, out of Washington D.C., hosted a Star Wars themed night. They allowed fans who dressed up as their favorite character to be entered for a prize during the evening. The Spirit played the game against the Reign FC on May 4th, the unofficial holiday of the Star Wars franchise. The game ended in a scoreless 0-0 draw.
This past September, the North Carolina Courage also hosted a theme for the franchise. They had both special guests and music from the franchise throughout the evening. The Courage also played to a draw like the light side and dark side, playing Bay FC 1-1. The Courage are scheduled to host another Star Wars themed night for the upcoming season. On May 17th against the Chicago Red Stars, they will be asking fans to bring their lightsabers and will also have several cosplayers at the game.
Last season, Racing Louisville FC hosted its first Star Wars night. On October 5th, the team from Louisville, Kentucky decided to honor the franchise when they played the KC Current. The team also had several cosplayers for the franchise and had a special promotion throughout the city. At grills known as Shelby grille which was an official part of the team at Lynn Family Stadium, they sold Dark side and Light Side souvenir cups.
It does demonstrate a growing trend in sports, as many teams and athletes have admitted through fandom of the franchise.
Female athletes such as gold medalist, Simone Biles and MMA fighter Amanda Lucas (daughter of George Lucas) have proclaimed their attachment to the franchise.
As the NWSL kicks off another season, expect many more themed nights for the popular science fiction franchise. Also, expect more players to continue to admit their fandom. Member of Racing Louisville and mental health advocate, Bethany Balcer, posed for a picture with BB-8, speaking about her love of the franchise and how it helped her mental health.
Many fans of both the NWSL and Star Wars can only hope that they continue to combine their efforts in 2025 and beyond.