How Orlando's women's soccer team went from expansion franchise to championship glory (and made history along the way)
Here's something that might surprise you: Orlando has a professional sports champion. Not from the Magic, not from Orlando City SC, but from a team that's been quietly building something special right in the heart of downtown—the Orlando Pride Soccer Club.
In November 2024, the Pride did something no other professional sports team in Orlando has ever accomplished: they won a major league championship. And not just any championship—they won both the NWSL Shield (best regular season record) and the NWSL Championship title, completing what's called "the double." Only three teams in NWSL history have pulled this off, and the Pride are the first to do it since 2019.
Whether you're a die-hard soccer fan, a casual sports enthusiast, or someone who's just hearing about the Pride for the first time, this team has become an integral part of Orlando's sports landscape. Here's everything you need to know about Orlando's championship-winning women's soccer team and why they matter to the City Beautiful.
From Humble Beginnings to Historic Champions
The Orlando Pride story starts back in October 2015, when the team was announced as the NWSL's 10th franchise. The name "Pride" was chosen to connect with Orlando City SC (their MLS counterpart—a group of lions is called a pride, and Orlando's got plenty to be proud about). The team's logo features the iconic Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain from Lake Eola Park, tying them firmly to Orlando's identity.
The Pride kicked off their inaugural season in 2016, playing at the old Camping World Stadium (the Citrus Bowl) before Downtown Orlando got its shiny new soccer-specific stadium. That first home game? They set an NWSL attendance record with 23,403 fans—a clear sign that Orlando was ready to embrace women's soccer in a big way.
Like many expansion teams, the Pride's first season was tough. They finished 9th out of 10 teams with a 6-1-13 record. But in 2017, everything changed when they signed a Brazilian legend named Marta.
Marta: The Legend Who Stuck Around
If you know anything about women's soccer, you know Marta. She's won FIFA Women's Player of the Year six times (yes, six), holds the record for most goals in World Cup history (men's or women's), and is widely considered one of the greatest players to ever play the game. In April 2017, she signed with Orlando Pride, and that decision would define both her career and the franchise.
Here's the thing about Marta that makes her story with Orlando so special: she stayed. Through the rough seasons (and there were rough seasons), through coaching changes, through teammates coming and going—Marta remained loyal to Orlando. While other star players like Alex Morgan, Ali Krieger, and Sydney Leroux moved on to seek glory elsewhere, Marta believed in what the Pride could become.
In her first season with Orlando (2017), Marta scored 13 goals and helped lead the Pride to their first-ever playoff appearance. The team finished third in the league and made it to the semifinals before losing to Portland. It was a glimpse of what was possible—but it would take seven more years before that promise was fully realized.
Fast forward to 2024, and 38-year-old Marta finally got her reward. After years of patience and perseverance, she helped lead the Pride to both the Shield and Championship titles. Her famous quote from 2019—"Cry at the beginning so you can smile at the end"—turned out to be prophetic.
The 2024 Championship Season: Making History
The 2024 season was nothing short of magical for Orlando Pride. Under head coach Seb Hines (who won NWSL Coach of the Year), the Pride put together one of the most dominant seasons in league history. The numbers tell the story:
- 18 wins, 60 points: Both NWSL single-season records
- 24-match unbeaten streak: Longest in NWSL history
- 8-game winning streak: Also a league record
- Undefeated at home: Inter&Co Stadium became a fortress
- First professional sports championship in Orlando history: Making them legends in the City Beautiful
The championship game took place on November 23, 2024, in Kansas City. Orlando Pride defeated the Washington Spirit 1-0, with Zambian striker Barbra Banda (who finished the season with 17 goals and won Championship MVP) scoring the game's only goal in the 37th minute. Emily Sams, who won NWSL Defender of the Year, anchored a defense that kept a clean sheet when it mattered most.
Why Orlando Pride Matters to the City
So why should Orlando residents care about the Pride, even if they're not huge soccer fans? Here are a few compelling reasons:
They're Part of Orlando's Growing Sports Identity
Orlando has always been known for theme parks and tourism, but the city's sports scene has been evolving. Between Orlando's professional sports teams, including the Magic, Orlando City SC, and now the championship-winning Pride, the city is becoming a legitimate sports destination. The Pride's success adds another layer to that identity and gives young girls in Central Florida professional athletes to look up to.
They Play in an Incredible Downtown Location
Inter&Co Stadium sits right in the heart of downtown Orlando, just blocks from Church Street and walking distance from the Kia Center. For Orlando residents, this means you can make a whole evening out of a Pride game—grab dinner at one of the downtown restaurants, watch the match, then hit the bars afterward. The stadium itself is state-of-the-art, with a covered roof that keeps the rain off while amplifying the crowd noise to create an electric atmosphere.
The 25,500-seat venue opened in 2017 and was 100% privately funded. It features North America's first safe-standing supporters' section (called "The Wall"), premium seating options, and the "Orlando Made" food and beverage program featuring local favorites. Plus, in Section 12, you'll find 49 rainbow-colored seats memorializing the victims of the Pulse nightclub tragedy—a powerful reminder of the team's connection to the community.
The Pride Represent Orlando Values
Orlando has always been a city that embraces diversity, creativity, and resilience. The Pride embody these values—from their LGBTQ+ inclusive branding to their multicultural roster featuring players from Brazil, Zambia, Canada, and across the United States. They also represent perseverance: it took years of struggle before achieving championship glory, much like Orlando's own journey from a sleepy citrus town to a major metropolis.
Experiencing an Orlando Pride Game
If you're interested in catching a Pride match (and after reading about their historic season, you should be!), here's what you need to know:
When They Play
The NWSL season runs from March through November, with the Pride playing 13 home games during the regular season. The 2025 season kicks off on March 14th with a home opener that will feature a banner-raising ceremony for the 2024 championships. The team also celebrates their 10th anniversary in 2025 with special theme nights and events throughout the season.
Tickets and Viewing Options
Single-game tickets typically range from $25-50 depending on the opponent and seat location, making Pride games one of the most affordable professional sports experiences in Orlando. Season ticket memberships offer even better value and include perks like a free replica jersey, priority access to playoff tickets, and discounts on food and merchandise.
If you can't make it to the stadium, Pride games are broadcast on multiple platforms. Friday night matches air on Prime Video, with other games distributed across CBS/Paramount+, ESPN/ESPN+, and ION network. It's actually easier to watch the Pride than most professional sports teams these days!
The Game Day Atmosphere
One thing that sets Pride games apart from other sporting events is the atmosphere. The supporters' sections—led by groups like The Crown and the Black Swans Drinking Club—bring energy and passion that rivals any MLS game. You'll hear chants, see flags waving, and feel the genuine love for this team. Even casual fans consistently comment on how welcoming and fun Pride match days are.
The 2025 Season: Defending the Crown
As the reigning NWSL Shield and Championship winners, Orlando Pride enter 2025 with a target on their backs. The good news? They've brought back the core of their championship team. Marta re-signed for two more seasons, Barbra Banda is back to lead the attack, and Emily Sams will anchor the defense. Head coach Seb Hines returns to guide the squad as they attempt to repeat as champions.
The Pride's 2025 season officially kicks off on March 7th with the NWSL Challenge Cup Final—a rematch against the Washington Spirit. Because Orlando won both the Shield and Championship in 2024, they automatically qualified for this single-game super cup that opens the season. It's another chance for fans to see the Pride compete for silverware right out of the gate.
What Makes Orlando Pride Special
Beyond the championships and the star players, there's something genuinely special about the Orlando Pride that residents should appreciate. This is a team built on loyalty, resilience, and community connection. They didn't buy a championship—they earned it through years of building, improving, and believing.
The Pride are also pioneers in women's sports infrastructure. They have their own dedicated training facility (the first NWSL team to have one exclusively for women), world-class coaching, and an ownership group (the Wilf family, who also own the NFL's Minnesota Vikings) committed to investing in women's soccer. This isn't a vanity project—it's a serious professional sports organization that happens to play in Orlando.
For families, the Pride offer an opportunity to expose kids (especially young girls) to professional athletes at the top of their game. Watching Marta's creativity, Banda's speed, or Sams's defensive prowess can inspire the next generation of athletes—and you can do it without breaking the bank on tickets.
Orlando Pride and the Neighborhood Connection
If you're considering moving to Orlando or already live here, the Pride's success is part of the city's evolving identity. The downtown location means neighborhoods like College Park, Baldwin Park, and SODO are all within easy reach of Inter&Co Stadium. For young professionals who want urban living with access to great entertainment, having a championship soccer team right downtown is a huge perk.
The Pride also contribute to making Orlando feel like a real city rather than just a tourist destination. When you have locally supported professional sports teams competing at the highest level, it creates community pride (pun intended) and gives residents something to rally around beyond the theme parks.
The Bottom Line
Orlando Pride Soccer Club represents the best of what Orlando has to offer: diversity, entertainment, resilience, and excellence. From their humble beginnings as an expansion franchise in 2016 to their historic double championship in 2024, the Pride have earned their place in Orlando's sports history—and in the hearts of Orlando residents.
Whether you become a season ticket holder, catch a few games throughout the season, or just follow along casually, the Pride are worth your attention. They play beautiful soccer, they've brought championships to Orlando, and they represent values that make our city special. Plus, there's something undeniably cool about being able to say your city is home to the reigning NWSL champions.
As Marta's journey shows, sometimes patience and loyalty pay off in the most spectacular ways. The Pride stuck with their vision, the players stuck with the team, and now Orlando gets to celebrate a championship. That's a pretty Orlando story—full of magic, determination, and dreams coming true.
So next time someone asks what there is to do in Orlando besides theme parks, tell them about the Pride. Tell them about Marta, about championship banners, about downtown soccer under the lights. Tell them Orlando has winners. 🏆
For more information about schedules, tickets, and team news, visit the official Orlando Pride website. You can also check out NWSL Soccer for league-wide coverage and standings.
Interested in learning more about things to do in Orlando or exploring other Orlando neighborhoods? Check out our comprehensive guides or contact us for personalized advice about living in the City Beautiful!
