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 will award the winner a record-setting prize of $1.1 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.
"Domestic cup competitions are an important part of the women’s game. Having competed in many Women’s FA Cup tournaments with Chelsea, I’ve seen firsthand what these competitions mean to players, clubs and communities," said Emma Hayes, U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach . "The Arthur M. Blank Crest Cup will strengthen the competitive landscape in the USA while creating more opportunities for talented young players to showcase their skills in a high-stakes environment. It’s an important step in the continued growth of women’s soccer, and I’m excited to see this tournament take shape.”
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.”