Soccer-NWSL ready to seize World Cup momentum as new season kicks off

FILE PHOTO: A logo for the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) is seen inside the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts ahead of a media event with players from the North Carolina Courage and Chicago Red Stars teams, in Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S. October 27, 2019. REUTERS/Amy Tennery

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) season kicks off on Saturday with the Portland Thorns out to defend their title and the top-flight American division eager to pounce on the momentum of this year's Women's World Cup.

Commissioner Jessica Berman expects 25% to 30% of the league's players will travel to the quadrennial tournament, which runs from July 20 to Aug. 20 in Australia and New Zealand, and plans to make the most of the prime showcase.