The tournament will establish the U.S. as the epicenter of women’s club competition.
ATLANTA (October 14, 2026) — U.S. Soccer today announced the launch of the Arthur M. Blank Crest Cup, a first-of-its-kind tournament that will bring together women’s soccer teams from across the nation to crown a singular national champion. The date for launch will be determined upon consultation with key stakeholders in the ecosystem.
The competition will be a single-elimination knockout format, culminating in a championship final. The competition, including the final, will award a record-setting prize pool of more than $1.5 million and serve as a pathway to qualification for the Concacaf W Champions Cup.
“Women’s soccer continues to be one of the most dynamic and inspiring forces in sport,” said U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone. “The Crest Cup will create meaningful impact by bringing people together, attracting investment in the future of the game, and ensuring that excellence, inclusivity, and opportunity remain at the heart of women’s soccer in the United States.”
Bridging a Gap in the Women’s Game
The foundation of women’s soccer in the United States runs deep, with multiple professional leagues, hundreds of amateur teams and a rich history of collegiate competition. However, there historically has not been a platform for these teams and players to compete against each other.
“The Crest Cup is a great addition to women’s soccer in this country, and I want to congratulate Arthur Blank on his leadership and vision,” shared Paul McDonough, President and CEO of the United Soccer League. “Bringing stakeholders across the women’s game together in this way creates meaningful competition and shows what’s possible when we collaborate around growing the sport. With major international events ahead, including the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup in the U.S., this is an important time for women’s soccer, and the USL is committed to creating more opportunities for the game.”
As women’s professional soccer experiences unprecedented growth in participation, viewership, and investment, The Arthur M. Blank Crest Cup arrives at a pivotal moment. The tournament is designed to strengthen the competitive ecosystem, incentivize progressive player development, and promote investment into women’s club soccer; while also creating opportunities for talented, American players to showcase their skills in a high-stakes environment.
While comparable to European tournaments like England’s Women’s FA Cup, the Crest Cup is the first tournament of its kind in the U.S. to bring together the best teams in an interconnected competition.
“Thanks to the support of Arthur M. Blank, the Crest Cup represents a defining moment for women’s soccer in this country,” said U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson. “This won’t be just about crowning a club champion, but delivering unforgettable moments for players and fans, and expanding the reach of women’s professional soccer into new communities.”
The tournament will carry forward U.S. Soccer and Arthur M. Blank’s shared values of integrity, community, and stewardship, while celebrating female excellence.
“Soccer has an extraordinary power to bring people together, and this competition represents an important step forward for the women’s game,” Blank said. “Creating a new stage for the best clubs and athletes in the country to compete at the highest level will expand opportunity, inspire the next generation and build on the tremendous momentum behind women’s soccer in the United States. My family, our Foundation, our associates and I are proud to continue to support U.S. Soccer’s commitment to elevating the game and creating a lasting impact for athletes, fans and communities for generations to come.”
ABOUT U.S. SOCCER
Founded in 1913, U.S. Soccer, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the official governing body of the sport in the United States. Our vision is clear; we exist in service to soccer. Our ambition, working across the soccer ecosystem, is to ignite a national passion for the game. We believe soccer is more than a sport; it is a force for good. We are focused on three areas: Soccer Everywhere, ensuring everyone, everywhere experiences the joy of soccer; Soccer Success, our 27 National Teams and Pro Leagues winning on the world stage; and Soccer Investment, maximizing and diversifying investments to sustainably grow the game at all levels. For more information, visit ussoccer.com/ourvision.
ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC
Carolina Ascent FC is one of eight teams of the Gainbridge Super League, a USL property and a Division One professional women’s soccer league which kicked off its inaugural season in August 2024. Carolina Ascent is reaching new heights for women’s soccer. Step by step, the club will take strides to grow the women’s game, elevate the community and support a more sustainable future for residents of the Carolinas. The team plays all home games at the historic American Legion Memorial Stadium. Visit CarolinaAscent.com to join the climb, stay updated on club news and purchase season tickets. Social media page links: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.
