Des Moines, Iowa, will host historic MASL W 'Championship Weekend' March 28-30

Workers at Buccaneer Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, convert the  ink for indoor soccer, where the Major Arena Soccer League Women will host their "Championship Weekend" March 28-30.

TAMPA, Florida – History will be made this spring as the Major Arena Soccer League Women hosts its inaugural “Championship Weekend” from March 28-30 in Des Moines, Iowa.

The event, set to take place at Buccaneer Arena, marks a milestone for the league and the sport, bringing together six elite teams from across the league to compete for the first-ever MASL W championship. Home to the Iowa Demon Hawks women’s team, Buccaneer Arena boasts a seating capacity of 3,461, creating an electrifying atmosphere for players and fans alike.

“The launch of the MASL W has been an exciting journey, and crowning our first champion will be a landmark moment,” said MASL W Commissioner Chris Economides. “Des Moines is the perfect host city for this historic event, with a passionate soccer community and a dedicated ownership group that’s ready to deliver an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.”

By virtue of hosting, the Demon Hawks are assured one of the six playoff spots. If they are winners of the Great Lakes North Division, they will qualify along with the additional three other division winners, and the two second place divisional teams with the best overall record.

If Iowa does not take first in their division, the top team from each division and Iowa, plus the remaining best second place team from one of the other three divisions, will advance. No division can have the possibility of more than two teams representing their division in the playoffs.

The action kicks off Friday, March 28, with first-round matchups between the third and sixth seeds, as well as the fourth and fifth seeds. The top two teams in the league will earn a bye to the semifinals, scheduled for Saturday, March 29. The weekend culminates on Sunday, March 30, with the championship game.. All games will be streamed live online at no cost, ensuring fans everywhere can join the excitement.

The Iowa Demon Hawks women’s team is debuting this season, following the success of their men’s team, which claimed the MASL 2 championship last spring. Known for their passionate fanbase and community-first approach, the Demon Hawks are poised to make their mark in the league’s history books.

Team  owner Darwin Salas was recently named by the Des Moines Register newspaper as one of the “2025 People To Watch” in that community.

"Hosting the first-ever MASL W Championship Weekend is an incredible honor for the Iowa Demon Hawks and Des Moines," Salas said. "We are humbled to be part of this historic moment for women’s soccer and to welcome the league’s top teams to our city. This is a celebration of talent, passion, and community, and we’re committed to creating an unforgettable experience for everyone involved."

Economides said the event will continue to build interest and excitement in the MASL brand, particularly for women's indoor soccer.

“Bringing our championship weekend to Des Moines is about more than just competition—it’s about celebrating the growth of women’s indoor soccer and setting the stage for future stars,” he added.

For more information on the league, visit www.maslw.com.