Caitlin Murray
@caitlinmurr.bsky.social
• Senior editor: ESPN.
• Author: "The National Team: The Inside Story of The Women Who Changed Soccer," a USWNT book.
• Previous bylines: The New York Times, The Guardian, Yahoo Sports, and others.
• Author: "The National Team: The Inside Story of The Women Who Changed Soccer," a USWNT book.
• Previous bylines: The New York Times, The Guardian, Yahoo Sports, and others.
Reposted by Caitlin Murray
Our 2nd annual @espn.com anonymous #NWSL general manager survey is here, and the clearest trend from hours of interviews over the past two months is what's now playing out: concern about the limitations of the salary cap, and the inability to retain and attract the world's top players (inc. #USWNT).
NWSL GM survey: Is the salary cap a problem? Are teams still breaking rules?
ESPN's NWSL GM survey returns as execs dish on the worst front offices, tensions with USWNT, breaking the rules, their player wish list and more.
www.espn.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Our 2nd annual @espn.com anonymous #NWSL general manager survey is here, and the clearest trend from hours of interviews over the past two months is what's now playing out: concern about the limitations of the salary cap, and the inability to retain and attract the world's top players (inc. #USWNT).
Reposted by Caitlin Murray
A week after Alyssa Thompson's move to Chelsea induced panic in some #NWSL circles, #USWNT head coach Emma Hayes was in New York to address the elephant in the room with the league's board.
On players' individual choices, the changing global landscape, and the cycles of player migration.
On players' individual choices, the changing global landscape, and the cycles of player migration.
Why are USWNT players signing with clubs in Europe -- and can the NWSL stop it?
While NWSL execs worry about USWNT players choosing European clubs, the lure of UEFA Women's Champions League clubs isn't going away.
www.espn.com
October 29, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Reposted by Caitlin Murray
Scandals and abuse allegations forced the Portland Thorns to find new owners, but decoupling from the Portland Timbers organization has been a work in progress. #BAONPDX
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Rocked by scandal, Portland Thorns aim to reclaim former glory under new ownership
Scandals and abuse allegations forced the Portland Thorns to find new owners, but decoupling from the Timbers organization has been a work in progress.
www.espn.com
October 15, 2025 at 10:08 PM
Scandals and abuse allegations forced the Portland Thorns to find new owners, but decoupling from the Portland Timbers organization has been a work in progress. #BAONPDX
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Reposted by Caitlin Murray
Ever wonder how #USWNT + #USMNT:
⚽️ Schedules opponents for friendlies?
🏟️ Picks cities/stadiums for games?
🎟️ Sets ticket prices?
Here's how, including real examples of why Germany came to East Hartford, and the game that won't happen next month in Seattle — because everything is interdependent.
⚽️ Schedules opponents for friendlies?
🏟️ Picks cities/stadiums for games?
🎟️ Sets ticket prices?
Here's how, including real examples of why Germany came to East Hartford, and the game that won't happen next month in Seattle — because everything is interdependent.
Inside how U.S. Soccer chooses opponents, venues, prices for USMNT and USWNT matches
USMNT and USWNT fans often complain about high ticket prices, repetitive cities and weak opponents for games, but U.S. Soccer explains everything that goes into such decisions.
www.espn.com
October 14, 2025 at 2:51 PM
I've never really followed the UEFA Women's Champions League super closely, but now that I've figured out which teams to root for, it'll be a lot more fun: www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Don't know which UWCL team to support? We can help
The UEFA Women's Champions League now has 18 teams, but which should you root for? Current champions Arsenal? Pass masters Barcelona? Winning machine OL Lyonnes? Or someone else?
www.espn.com
October 6, 2025 at 6:53 PM
I've never really followed the UEFA Women's Champions League super closely, but now that I've figured out which teams to root for, it'll be a lot more fun: www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Reposted by Caitlin Murray
Guys. We're celebrating a very special birthday today. Happy 101st birthday to my beloved Olimpico featuring the history, the correct spelling, and some of my favourites 🥳
www.espn.com.au/soccer/story...
www.espn.com.au/soccer/story...
Celebrating the Olimpico, one of soccer's most audacious goals
Oct. 2 is an auspicious date in soccer history: in 1924, the first goal direct from a corner was scored. Known forever as an Olimpico, here are some of the very best.
www.espn.com.au
October 2, 2025 at 9:14 AM
Guys. We're celebrating a very special birthday today. Happy 101st birthday to my beloved Olimpico featuring the history, the correct spelling, and some of my favourites 🥳
www.espn.com.au/soccer/story...
www.espn.com.au/soccer/story...
Reposted by Caitlin Murray
Source has confirmed to me that Lizbeth Ovalle is in "advanced talks" to join an NWSL club for a world-record transfer fee in women's soccer.
Separate source has stated that Orlando Pride have finished the transfer with Liga MX's Femenil Tigres for the winger.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Separate source has stated that Orlando Pride have finished the transfer with Liga MX's Femenil Tigres for the winger.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Source: Mexico's Ovalle nears deal to join NWSL
Mexico star international Lizbeth Ovalle is in "advanced talks" to join an NWSL club for a world-record transfer fee in women's soccer, a source told ESPN on Monday night.
www.espn.com
August 19, 2025 at 3:24 AM
Source has confirmed to me that Lizbeth Ovalle is in "advanced talks" to join an NWSL club for a world-record transfer fee in women's soccer.
Separate source has stated that Orlando Pride have finished the transfer with Liga MX's Femenil Tigres for the winger.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Separate source has stated that Orlando Pride have finished the transfer with Liga MX's Femenil Tigres for the winger.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Reposted by Caitlin Murray
BREAKING: 18-year-old #USWNT midfielder Lily Yohannes is set to join eight-time European champions OL Lyonnes, sources tell @espn.com. Lyonnes and Ajax have agreed to terms of the transfer. Yohannes and Lyonnes are finalizing personal terms.
Sources: USWNT's Yohannes near move to Lyonnes
United States women's national team midfielder Lily Yohannes is finalizing a move to French powerhouse OL Lyonnes, multiple sources confirmed to ESPN.
www.espn.com
July 1, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Reposted by Caitlin Murray
The “stick to sports” crowd has gotten awfully quiet. I wonder why.
'Shut up and dribble' crowd has no problem mixing sports, politics now | Opinion
President Donald Trump has used sports to burnish his image despite criticizing athletes for getting political, columnist Nancy Armour writes.
www.usatoday.com
June 20, 2025 at 8:13 PM
The “stick to sports” crowd has gotten awfully quiet. I wonder why.
Great stuff from @emilyskeogh.bsky.social on Chelsea becoming "America's team" in women's soccer: www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Inside Chelsea's transfer plan to become 'America's team' with Ohanian's help
Chelsea broke the women's transfer world record in January and are targeting more USWNT stars, but how can their transfer strategy push them to UWCL glory?
www.espn.com
June 21, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Great stuff from @emilyskeogh.bsky.social on Chelsea becoming "America's team" in women's soccer: www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Reposted by Caitlin Murray
I'm genuinely honored to be a finalist for the Billie Jean King Award for women's sports coverage. Credit to @espn.com and our great editors for committing to scale #NWSL + #USWNT coverage nationally, especially @caitlinmurr.bsky.social for her daily editing and ideation. Women's sports are sports.
Finalists announced for second annual Billie Jean King Award contest
The Billie Jean King Foundation, Associated Press Sports Editors and the APSE Foundation are proud to announce the finalists for the second annual Billie Jean King Award for Excellence in Women’s Spor...
apsportseditors.com
May 6, 2025 at 11:49 PM
I'm genuinely honored to be a finalist for the Billie Jean King Award for women's sports coverage. Credit to @espn.com and our great editors for committing to scale #NWSL + #USWNT coverage nationally, especially @caitlinmurr.bsky.social for her daily editing and ideation. Women's sports are sports.
Reposted by Caitlin Murray
Michele Kang is building her women's soccer empire, from Spirit, Lyon + (just promoted) London City to USSF donations. Why? And what's next? (A 4th club soon, for one.)
Feature story on @espn.com. The full sit-down interview airs on Futbol W tonight at 8:30p ET on ESPN+. #NWSL
Feature story on @espn.com. The full sit-down interview airs on Futbol W tonight at 8:30p ET on ESPN+. #NWSL
Michele Kang is spending millions to scoop up women's soccer teams around the world. What's her plan?
Billionaire club owner Michele Kang speaks to ESPN about her new vision for women's soccer and the money she's pouring in to make it a reality.
www.espn.com
May 6, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Great piece I edited from @rwohan.bsky.social on Wrexham's path to three promotions in a row: www.espn.com/soccer/story...
It's got me wondering: Should I watch that show, "Welcome To Wrexham"? Is it any good? Is it fake/staged or legit? White Lotus is over and I need something new 😂
It's got me wondering: Should I watch that show, "Welcome To Wrexham"? Is it any good? Is it fake/staged or legit? White Lotus is over and I need something new 😂
How Wrexham paid their way to promotion, and why the Premier League requires more than that
Wrexham's promotion might look miraculous, but it's actually a combination of factors that other Premier League hopefuls shouldn't try to replicate.
www.espn.com
May 2, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Great piece I edited from @rwohan.bsky.social on Wrexham's path to three promotions in a row: www.espn.com/soccer/story...
It's got me wondering: Should I watch that show, "Welcome To Wrexham"? Is it any good? Is it fake/staged or legit? White Lotus is over and I need something new 😂
It's got me wondering: Should I watch that show, "Welcome To Wrexham"? Is it any good? Is it fake/staged or legit? White Lotus is over and I need something new 😂
Reposted by Caitlin Murray
New from me on @espn.com: The #NWSL calls parity its "superpower." The past two weeks of erratic results might prove that is alive and well. Or, was this stretch an anomaly as the league plays with its kryptonite? On the tension and the value proposition of chaos 👇
If parity is NWSL's 'superpower' vs. Europe competition, is expansion its kryptonite?
The NWSL has excitement that the UEFA Women's Champions League and England's WSL can't match -- but how long will it last?
www.espn.com
May 1, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Reposted by Caitlin Murray
Real Madrid signed the presumptive best player in the world — and got worse. PSG lost the presumptive best player in the world — and got better. I wrote about soccer’s new Ewing Theory: www.espn.com/soccer/insid...
How Mbappé's arrival made Real Madrid worse, and his exit made PSG better
The numbers don't lie: Real Madrid have been worse since adding Mbappé, while PSG got better once he left. Has the so-called Ewing Theory found its new face?
www.espn.com
April 25, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Real Madrid signed the presumptive best player in the world — and got worse. PSG lost the presumptive best player in the world — and got better. I wrote about soccer’s new Ewing Theory: www.espn.com/soccer/insid...
Reposted by Caitlin Murray
After a stormy and turbulent 2024, are there now familiar sunny skies ahead for the San Diego Wave?
Chatted with players, staff, and a member of the Sirens supporters group about the rebuild for 2025.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Chatted with players, staff, and a member of the Sirens supporters group about the rebuild for 2025.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Star exits, coaching changes, lawsuits: After awful 2024, San Diego is rebounding
After a turbulent 2024 season on and off the field -- including the exit of Naomi Girma, the retirement of Alex Morgan and several coaching changes -- the new-look San Diego Wave are hoping for better...
www.espn.com
April 11, 2025 at 4:11 PM
After a stormy and turbulent 2024, are there now familiar sunny skies ahead for the San Diego Wave?
Chatted with players, staff, and a member of the Sirens supporters group about the rebuild for 2025.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Chatted with players, staff, and a member of the Sirens supporters group about the rebuild for 2025.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Who will be the #USWNT's starting goalkeeper at the 2027 World Cup? Your guess is as good as mine! www.espn.com/soccer/story...
The USWNT doesn't have a No. 1 goalkeeper, putting a longtime position of strength in doubt
After years of Alyssa Naeher and Hope Solo dominating, the USWNT is without a clear-cut starting goalkeeper, and no obvious No. 1 has emerged in auditions.
www.espn.com
April 9, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Who will be the #USWNT's starting goalkeeper at the 2027 World Cup? Your guess is as good as mine! www.espn.com/soccer/story...
I've been thinking about this a lot. Also, don't forget: they finally scrubbed mentions of Black people and women from federal government websites too, which means it was all worth it. Anyone tired of all the winning yet? Maybe I'll poll everyone I know who voted for him!
We simply had to intentionally destroy the world’s strongest economy while dismantling our scientific and educational infrastructure to ensure that a team with a trans girl would never finish second place in the Mountain West volleyball standings again
April 5, 2025 at 2:39 PM
I've been thinking about this a lot. Also, don't forget: they finally scrubbed mentions of Black people and women from federal government websites too, which means it was all worth it. Anyone tired of all the winning yet? Maybe I'll poll everyone I know who voted for him!
I wish people knew their own email addresses. I'm worried about the Caitlin Murray who never got the PDF of her Wexford Bus ticket. I hope the Caitlin Murray trying to see a show figured out how to log into TicketSwap. I'm annoyed at the Caitlin Murray who buys crap from the TikTok Shop constantly.
April 2, 2025 at 4:28 AM
I wish people knew their own email addresses. I'm worried about the Caitlin Murray who never got the PDF of her Wexford Bus ticket. I hope the Caitlin Murray trying to see a show figured out how to log into TicketSwap. I'm annoyed at the Caitlin Murray who buys crap from the TikTok Shop constantly.
ESPN is hiring a full-time associate soccer features editor based in Bristol, CT. For someone with a year or two of experience who is a quick learner and a team player, it's a great opportunity. And you'll get to work with me, how exciting!
Apply here: disney.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/disneycareer...
Apply here: disney.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/disneycareer...
Associate Editor
Job Posting Title: Associate Editor Req ID: 10114971 Job Description: The ESPN FC associate editor is a full-time position that works across ESPN to create the most accurate, timely and engaging socce...
disney.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com
March 12, 2025 at 1:13 PM
ESPN is hiring a full-time associate soccer features editor based in Bristol, CT. For someone with a year or two of experience who is a quick learner and a team player, it's a great opportunity. And you'll get to work with me, how exciting!
Apply here: disney.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/disneycareer...
Apply here: disney.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/disneycareer...
Reposted by Caitlin Murray
With ESPN colleagues @emilyskeogh.bsky.social and @tomhamiltonespn.bsky.social ... How Chelsea broke the women's transfer record to sign Naomi Girma. #cfc #uswnt
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
How Chelsea broke the women's transfer record to sign USWNT star Girma
Chelsea have made USWNT defender Naomi Girma the first $1m transfer in women's football, but how did the record-breaking deal come about?
www.espn.com
January 26, 2025 at 2:21 PM
With ESPN colleagues @emilyskeogh.bsky.social and @tomhamiltonespn.bsky.social ... How Chelsea broke the women's transfer record to sign Naomi Girma. #cfc #uswnt
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Reposted by Caitlin Murray
Chelsea leading the way for USWNT star Naomi Girma. Lyon and Arsenal also keen. Story with Emily Keogh.
www.espn.co.uk/football/sto...
www.espn.co.uk/football/sto...
Chelsea lead race to sign Naomi Girma - sources
Chelsea are leading the race to sign San Diego Wave centre-back Naomi Girma, while Arsenal and Lyon are also interested in the United States women's national team star, sources have told ESPN.
www.espn.co.uk
January 16, 2025 at 11:40 AM
Chelsea leading the way for USWNT star Naomi Girma. Lyon and Arsenal also keen. Story with Emily Keogh.
www.espn.co.uk/football/sto...
www.espn.co.uk/football/sto...
Reposted by Caitlin Murray
As Emma Hayes begins a new year leading the #USWNT, she has a luxury given to few of her predecessors: time.
Inside how she plans to use it, starting with next week's concurrent training camps for senior-level and "futures" players:
www.inquirer.com/soccer/emma-... via @phillysport.bsky.social
Inside how she plans to use it, starting with next week's concurrent training camps for senior-level and "futures" players:
www.inquirer.com/soccer/emma-... via @phillysport.bsky.social
As Emma Hayes’ second year leading the USWNT kicks off, she finally gets to think big picture
This month's training camp will have 26 senior-squad invitees and 24 young prospects in a "futures" group. "This part is just as much fun as it is competing for a major tournament," Hayes says.
www.inquirer.com
January 8, 2025 at 6:17 PM
As Emma Hayes begins a new year leading the #USWNT, she has a luxury given to few of her predecessors: time.
Inside how she plans to use it, starting with next week's concurrent training camps for senior-level and "futures" players:
www.inquirer.com/soccer/emma-... via @phillysport.bsky.social
Inside how she plans to use it, starting with next week's concurrent training camps for senior-level and "futures" players:
www.inquirer.com/soccer/emma-... via @phillysport.bsky.social
Reposted by Caitlin Murray
As the headline says: I have ranked the 100 best attacking players in Europe, based on data. www.espn.com/soccer/insid...
Ranking the top 100 attacking players in Europe: How one new stat reveals the best
What if we combine a bunch of key metrics into a new stat to find the best attacking players in Europe's top soccer leagues? Here is the top 100 ranking.
www.espn.com
January 8, 2025 at 3:12 PM
As the headline says: I have ranked the 100 best attacking players in Europe, based on data. www.espn.com/soccer/insid...
Reposted by Caitlin Murray
Oh hey it's almost the end of the year!
Let's highlight some of my favorite articles I worked on for ESPN FC in 2024, starting with my collaboration with @lizzybecherano.bsky.social on the cultural push-and-pull for Mexican-American dual-nationals
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Let's highlight some of my favorite articles I worked on for ESPN FC in 2024, starting with my collaboration with @lizzybecherano.bsky.social on the cultural push-and-pull for Mexican-American dual-nationals
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
The dual-national dilemma: How Mexican Americans choose which country to represent
U.S. or Mexico? Dual nationals talk about the "life-changing decision" of which country to represent at World Cups and Copa Américas.
www.espn.com
December 22, 2024 at 9:44 PM
Oh hey it's almost the end of the year!
Let's highlight some of my favorite articles I worked on for ESPN FC in 2024, starting with my collaboration with @lizzybecherano.bsky.social on the cultural push-and-pull for Mexican-American dual-nationals
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Let's highlight some of my favorite articles I worked on for ESPN FC in 2024, starting with my collaboration with @lizzybecherano.bsky.social on the cultural push-and-pull for Mexican-American dual-nationals
www.espn.com/soccer/story...