The Future of Water Polo: How the National and American Leagues Are Changing the Game
Feb 12th 2025
Water polo popularity is growing at a rapid pace in the United States, thanks to two major leagues: The National Water Polo League (NWPL) and the American Water Polo League (AWPL). These two leagues have changed the landscape of competitive water polo by offering high-level opportunities for players beyond high school and college. What does this mean for the sport’s growth and athletes? Let’s dive in.
The National Water Polo League (NWPL)
For nearly a decade, the National League, organized by USA Water Polo (USAWP), has served as the premier men’s water polo league in the United States. It was established in 2015, and provided a platform for elite post-collegiate and national team athletes to continue competing at a high level. This year marks a significant evolution for the league, as new NCAA guidelines allow collegiate teams to participate as clubs, expanding the competition pool. Additionally, the season has grown from three weekends of play to five, offering more opportunities for development and high-level competition.
The American Water Polo League (AWPL)
While men's water polo has long benefited from a structured post-collegiate league in the National League, women’s water polo has lacked a similar platform. The American League, originally operated by Riptide Masters Water Polo Club, was created to bridge that gap. Serving as a masters league for both men and women, it provides a vital competitive opportunity, particularly for female athletes seeking to continue playing beyond college.
The league also includes a men’s division, which functions as an unofficial second tier to the National League, helping players develop and advance to the highest level. Although the American League and National League run concurrently, they remain separate entities.
On February 13, 2025, Game On Live Studio announced that it had secured the naming rights to the American League and entered into a partnership with the organization. Effective immediately, the league has been rebranded as the Game On Live Studio American Water Polo League. As the only structured women’s league outside the collegiate system, it features a diverse range of athletes from high school, junior college, NCAA, and former NCAA programs. This new partnership marks a significant step in raising the profile of water polo and expanding visibility for the athletes competing in the league.
Why These Leagues Are Important
1. This Offers More Opportunities for Water Polo Players.
The path to professional water polo in the U.S. has always been limited, with most of the top players aiming for NCAA programs. After college, if players wanted to continue a professional water polo career, they would have to move abroad. The AWPL and NWPL are now providing additional opportunities for players to compete at a high level domestically, increasing career longevity.
2. Boosting Water Polo’s Popularity in the U.S.
Even with the U.S.A., National Teams’ success in numerous world championships, water polo has struggled to gain mainstream attention compared to popular spectator sports. Water Polo professional leagues can FINALLY help elevate the sport’s visibility, attract sponsors, and draw larger audiences to games and live streams.
3. Keeping Talent in the Country
In the past, American water polo players seeking high-level competition had to sign with European clubs in countries like Spain, Italy, Hungary, and Greece. The introduction of a domestic league provides an opportunity for top athletes to continue competing at home, reducing the need to go abroad. While this league is still in its early stages, it represents an important step toward the long-term goal of establishing a fully professional system in the U.S. By keeping talent in the country, the league helps grow the sport domestically and strengthens the national team pipeline.
4. Growth of Youth & Collegiate Water Polo
As more players see opportunities after college, youth and high school programs will benefit. More kids will be inspired to play water polo if they know there’s a path beyond NCAA competition.
The rise of the AWPL and NWPL marks a turning point for water polo in the United States. With more professional and club-level opportunities, the sport is set for tremendous growth. Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or a fan, now is the time to get behind these leagues and help grow water polo and its popularity.
What’s Next for Water Polo in the U.S.?
The success of these leagues depends on fan engagement, sponsorship support, and player participation. Here’s how you can help grow the sport:
Follow & Engage – Stay connected by following the leagues on social media and engaging with their content. Every like, comment, and share helps grow the sport!
@americanwaterpololeague @usnlwaterpolo
Attend & Support – Catch a game in person and help spread the word. Check out team schedules at usawaterpolo.com or search for your local team to support them from the stands.
Back the Brands That Back Water Polo – Sponsorships keep the sport thriving. Companies like S&R Sport x Delfina USA, srsport.com have supported the water polo community for over 30 years, offering sponsorships, affiliate programs, and top-tier gear.
S&R Sport is proudly partnering with teams across National League and American League, including:
Nashville Channel Cats (Men and Women) @channelcatwaterpolo
Los Angeles Athletic Club (Women) @laacwaterpolo
Peacock Water Polo @peacockpolo
Are you as excited about the future of American water polo as we are? Show your support by repping the water polo equipment that fuels the game!
Explore our latest gear at srsport.com or follow us at @srsportaquatics.
