The NWSL Shield has been awarded annually since 2013 and is recognized as a major trophy by the league.

After the regular season, the NWSL playoffs were held, with the top four teams vying for a spot in the postseason championship match.

The club with the most regular-season points was awarded the NWSL Shield and earned the top seed in the playoffs.

[5] A new NWSL Shield trophy, designed by Tiffany & Co., was unveiled by the league in 2024.

It includes a depiction of a soccer ball and uses 24-karat gold vermeil and sterling silver.