Reinventing the NWSL: A Swift and Streamlined 2025 Schedule

Record-Setting Schedule Release

In a dramatic departure from past practice, the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) has unveiled its 2025 schedule at blistering speed, a mere two months after its 2024 championship.

The league's newfound efficiency stems from its improved scheduling prowess, a long-standing challenge due to its shared stadium arrangements.

Digestible and Sensible Schedule

The 2025 schedule boasts unparalleled clarity and convenience. Nearly all of its 190 games will be played on weekends, mostly in unique broadcast windows.

The season will kick off on March 7 with the Reigning Orlando Pride hosting the NWSL Challenge Cup, followed by the regular-season opener on March 14. Thereafter, each team will play every weekend, except during international breaks.

Dramatic Season Finale

The 2025 season will culminate in an electrifying "Decision Day" on November 2, a single-day slate featuring simultaneous games.

Expanded Season for Flexibility

To accommodate international competitions and player availability, the 2025 NWSL season will be the league's longest ever.

"We're committed to creating a schedule that provides our players with ample rest and recovery while also ensuring the highest level of competition," said NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman.

Broadcast Bonanza

CBS, ESPN, Amazon, and Scripps/ION will share 160 of the season's 190 games, with Amazon Prime Video opening each weekend with a Friday night match and ION showing two per Saturday.

CBS will broadcast 60 regular-season games across its platforms, while ESPN will put 10 of its 17 on its main channel and three on ABC. The remaining 30 matches will stream on NWSL+.

Accommodating Challenges

The schedule includes three Monday games and two on Thursdays to avoid conflicts, but the majority of matches will be played between Friday and Sunday.

The only midweek match is Portland Thorns vs. Gotham FC, moved to Tuesday, April 22, due to the teams' participation in the CONCACAF W Champions Cup semifinals and final.

Seasonal Highlights

The full schedule features the NWSL's first-ever "Rivalry Weekend" from August 8-10, showcasing historic matchups between fierce competitors.

The playoffs will commence in November, culminating in a thrilling final on Saturday, November 22.