There were surprise contenders, dramatic playoff races and further evidence that the new Division One competition is beginning to establish its own identity. Yet it also ended with uncertainty after Spokane Zephyr announced they would cease operations.
At the centre of that story is Spokane striker Lena Silano, who spoke exclusively to Football Presse about her career, the growth of the Super League and her hopes for the future.
Silano embracing a new challenge
Silano arrived in Spokane after spells with the Washington Spirit and Spanish side UD Tenerife, and quickly became one of the club's most important players, finishing the campaign with seven goals and four assists.
Reflecting on her move to the Super League, she explained to Football Presse:
"I've enjoyed it. It's great that we can play in the U.S. and it's not just one league. This league brings a lot of grit and hard work... I'm enjoying it."
Silano believes the competition combines lessons from every stage of her career.
"When I was at Long Beach, I learned grit and hard work. At Spirit I learned a lot of great tactics from amazing players and understood the game. In Spain they were creative, physical and high speed. Here it is a little bit of everything."
The 26-year-old also highlighted how perceptions of the Super League are changing among players.
"It's growing. At first we didn't know much about it. The league is getting more respect and the level is getting higher and higher and it is only year two."
Her comments underline one of the league's biggest achievements: creating another professional pathway for elite women's players in the United States alongside the NWSL.
Spokane's playoff push falls just short
Silano's optimism was reflected in Spokane's strong finish to the season.
When Football Presse spoke with her in March, the Zephyr were six points outside the playoff places with five matches remaining.
"It's going to be a fight... you never know what is going to happen. I have faith in us."
The team responded impressively, winning four of their final five matches and narrowly missing the playoffs by a single point.
Defensively, Spokane were among the league's strongest teams, conceding only 28 goals. Goalkeeper Hope Hisey once again excelled, finishing with 86 saves and establishing herself as one of the competition's standout performers.
Young Fiji international goalkeeper Aliana Vakaloloma also emerged as a player to watch after becoming one of the youngest participants at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.
Lexington's remarkable turnaround
While Spokane narrowly missed out, Lexington SC completed one of the great turnarounds in recent women's football history.
After finishing bottom of the table in the inaugural campaign, Lexington finished level on points with Sporting Jacksonville and claimed the regular-season title on goal difference.
The outstanding individual performer was striker Catherine Barry, who scored a league-record 16 goals. Midfielders Addie McCain and McKenzie Weinert also played key roles, while goalkeeper Kat Asman led the league with 11 clean sheets.
Former league MVP Emina Ekic also contributed before earning a move to the NWSL's Houston Dash.
Sporting Jacksonville's expansion success
If Lexington were the comeback story, expansion side Sporting Jacksonville were the surprise package.
Sporting JAX finished level on 53 points with Lexington and led the league in scoring with 54 goals.
Young stars Ashlyn Puerta and Baylee DeSmit scored 12 goals each, while Paige Kenton added 10.
Off the field, Jacksonville set the standard for attendance, averaging 7,494 supporters per game—numbers comparable with several established NWSL clubs. Head coach Stacey Balaam emerged as one of the league's major success stories.
Carolina and Dallas quietly deliver
Defending regular-season champions Carolina Ascent once again reached the playoffs, finishing only two points behind the leaders.
Veteran forward Rylee Baisden led the team in scoring, while former NWSL star Shea Groom added experience after joining from the Chicago Stars.
Meanwhile, Dallas Trinity FC secured the final playoff place thanks to a dramatic final-day victory over Fort Lauderdale.
Teenage striker Sealey Strawn emerged as one of the season's brightest prospects, while England international Chioma Ubogagu continued to provide leadership and creativity.
Spokane's closure raises bigger questions
Just days after their season ended, Spokane announced the franchise would not return for 2026-27.
The decision shocked players and supporters alike.
Defender Madelyn Desiano told local media that players were left frustrated by the manner in which the news was delivered, while questions remain over attendance, travel costs and the sustainability of operating a Division One women's team in a smaller market.
The club's average attendance fell from 2,521 in its inaugural season to 1,564 in 2025-26. Long travel distances and the loss of former star Emina Ekic also made life difficult.
Yet Silano's comments perhaps provide the most important takeaway from Spokane's story. Despite the disappointment, she believes the Super League is growing and earning respect.
That may ultimately be the league's biggest challenge and greatest opportunity. The Super League has shown it can produce compelling football, develop players and create new markets. The task now is ensuring that stories like Spokane's become the exception rather than the rule as women's professional football continues its rapid growth across North America.
- Read the full version at Tim Grainey's Substack. His latest book is Beyond Bend it Like Beckham on the global game of women’s football. Get your copy today. Follow Tim on Twitter: @TimGrainey