U.S. Soccer Launches Arthur Blank Crest Cup

U.S. Soccer announced the launch of the Arthur M. Blank Crest Cup. The tournament will feature teams from the NWSL and USL Super League. 

“Women’s soccer continues to be one of the most dynamic and inspiring forces in sport,” U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone said in a statement. “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.”

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. Through the W Champions Cup, clubs can qualify for the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.

“Domestic cup competitions are an important part of the women’s game," USWNT head coach Emma Hayes said in a statement. "Having competed in many Women’s FA Cup tournaments with Chelsea, I’ve seen firsthand what these competitions mean to players, clubs and communities. 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.”

While the tournament is likened to England's FA Cup, there is a distinct lack of amateur clubs involved in the Crest Cup.

U.S. Soccer has yet to finalize when the tournament will launch.