Thorns FC are the league's defending champions after defeating the Kansas City Current 2–0 in the 2022 NWSL championship match.

[4] An early investment group led by former Nike executive Melanie Strong reportedly valued the Thorns at $60 million in a formal bid for a majority stake in the team.

[8] Thorns FC acquired Canadian forward Adriana Leon on a short-term loan from Manchester United on April 13.

[9] In the April 29 match against Angel City FC, Thorns goalkeeper Bella Bixby scored a backheel goal in the final minutes of stoppage time to secure a 3–3 draw.

[14] The Thorns responded at home on May 21 by scoring three goals in the first 16 minutes and adding a fourth in the second half in a shutout win against Chicago Red Stars.

Portland required a 90th-minute goal from rookie defender Reyna Reyes, her first professional score, from a Sam Coffey corner to equalize in the 1–1 tie.

[19] The Thorns opened June with their first-ever win at Lumen Field by defeating Cascadian rivals OL Reign 2–0.

[21] The match was the second of a doubleheader with the Seattle Sounders FC and Timbers, who played to a scoreless draw; the combined event sold more than 42,000 tickets.

These were in addition to the league's national broadcast and streaming agreements with CBS and Paramount+ in the United States, and with The Sports Network in Canada.