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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>NWSL ranked fifth in World's Most Innovative Companies</li><li>Attendances and viewership continue to boom</li><li>Recent franchise valuations hit record levels</li></ul>

NWSL impressively tops YouTube and rivals Microsoft in business rankings

The list, compiled by business magazine <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/list" target="_blank">Fast Company</a> puts the league ahead of the likes of YouTube and OpenAI and chasing software monolith Microsoft. Unveiling the league in fifth place, the magazine said the league was unique as it's members were not simply subsidiaries of men's teams but were independent entities. The division <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/nwsl-announces-groundbreaking-media-partnership-espn-cbs-sports-prime-video-scripps-sports/blt919d8fcdedd539eb" target="_blank">recently struck a four-year rights deal worth $240 million (£190m).</a>

WHAT HAPPENED?

Now into its 12th season, the growth of the NWSL shows no sign of slowing down. Owners and league officials are buoyed by booming attendances and sponsorship and the league has negotiated a broadcasting deal that dwarfs its nearest competitor, the English WSL, by a factor of almost ten.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The value of NWSL franchises has continued to rocket. In January the Portland Thorns were sold for $63 million (£49.9m), while a staggered deal to sell the San Diego Wave was recently agreed at a price that equates to $113 million (£89.4m).

DID YOU KNOW?

The new season is already underway and Week 3 features a pair of headline match ups as San Diego Wave take on Seattle Reign on Friday night followed by Gotham FC's trip to North Carolina Courage on Saturday.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE NWSL?

NWSL impressively tops YouTube and rivals Microsoft in business rankings | Goal.com

The National Women&apos;s Soccer League has been named in a top five of a list of the World&apos;s Most Innovative Companies.