The Seattle Reign FC history traces the journey of the Seattle Reign soccer team from its founding to becoming one of the NWSL’s strongest clubs. Known for their creative play and inspiring Seattle Reign FC players, the team has built a lasting legacy in women’s soccer through talent, teamwork, and a dedicated fan base.
Established
2012
City
Seattle
League History
2012 – Present / National Women's Soccer League
Team History
2022 - Present / Seattle Reign FC
2019 - 2022 / OL Reign
2018 - 2019 / Reign FC
2013 – 2018 / Seattle Reign FC
Nickname
Reign FC – The nickname “Reign” for Seattle Reign FC symbolizes power, dominance, and authority, capturing the team’s ambition to rule the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) with strength and excellence. The term “Reign” reflects the team’s competitive spirit and desire to establish a lasting legacy in women’s professional soccer.
Seattle Reign FC Origin
Additionally, the name connects to the Pacific Northwest’s often rainy climate, playfully referencing the region’s frequent rainfall while conveying a sense of resilience and determination. This dual meaning makes “Reign” a fitting and memorable identity for the Seattle-based club.
Championship
NWSL Championships 0
Stadium
2022 - Present / Lumen Field (Seattle)
2019 - 2021 / Cheney Stadium (Tacoma)
2014 - 2018 / Memorial Stadium (Seattle)
2013 - 2014 / Starfire Sports Complex
Owner
2012 - Present / The Carlyle Group (majority), Seattle Sounders FC
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Seattle Reign FC History
The Seattle Reign FC history began in 2012 when the club was founded as one of the original teams in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The Seattle Reign soccer team quickly built a name for itself with an attacking style of play, exceptional coaching, and a dedicated fan base in the Pacific Northwest. Their early success helped shape the foundation of women’s soccer in the region.
In their first few seasons, the Seattle Reign FC players like Megan Rapinoe, Kim Little, and Jess Fishlock became icons of the league. Under coach Laura Harvey, the team won back-to-back NWSL Shields in 2014 and 2015 for finishing with the best regular-season record. These achievements solidified their reputation as one of the most competitive and skillful teams in the league.
The club’s “Reign” identity, inspired by the rainy Seattle climate, symbolizes both the strength and dominance the team brings to the pitch. Over the years, Seattle Reign FC has played at several venues, including Starfire Sports Complex, Memorial Stadium, Cheney Stadium, and eventually Lumen Field in 2022—a move that represented a major step forward for the team’s growth and visibility.
Reign FC Achievements
In 2020, the team rebranded as OL Reign following its acquisition by Olympique Lyonnais, a global powerhouse in women’s soccer. This partnership brought new resources and expanded opportunities for the Seattle Reign soccer team, helping attract more world-class Seattle Reign FC players and enhancing its international reputation.
Back-to-Back NWSL Shields (2014 & 2015)
One of the proudest moments in Seattle Reign FC history came when the team won consecutive NWSL Shields in 2014 and 2015. These seasons showcased the club’s dominance, with standout Seattle Reign FC players leading in goals, assists, and defensive strength. This achievement marked the team as a model of consistency and tactical excellence in the Seattle Reign soccer team’s journey.
Today, the Seattle Reign FC continues to represent passion, determination, and excellence in the NWSL. Their ongoing legacy reflects their lasting influence on women’s soccer in the United States and beyond, fueled by the commitment of exceptional Seattle Reign FC players and loyal fans who have supported the team since its beginning.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history