NWSL releases full 2026 schedule, broadcast details
- - NWSL releases full 2026 schedule, broadcast details
Seth Vertelney, USA TODAYJanuary 15, 2026 at 11:33 PM
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The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has released the full schedule and broadcast details for the 2026 season.
The 2026 campaign will be the league's 14th and with two expansion teams joining the fray in Denver Summit FC and Boston Legacy FC, bringing the total to 16 teams.
Each team will play 30 regular-season matches, with 15 at home and 15 away. That is an increase from the past two seasons, when each team played 26 regular-season matches.
The regular season will kick off on the weekend of March 13-15, with the Washington Spirit hosting the Portland Thorns on Friday, March 13, in the season opener.
The 2026 regular season will conclude on Nov. 1 with Decision Day, with every team competing simultaneously.
The playoffs will start the weekend of Nov. 6-8. Semifinal matches are scheduled for the weekend of Nov. 13-15, and the 2026 NWSL Championship will be played on Nov. 21.
NWSL broadcast schedule
The NWSL will partner with several outlets to broadcast games throughout the season. Per the league, the details of broadcasts are as follows:
Prime Video will air Friday night matches throughout the regular season.
ION will present Saturday night doubleheaders, along with select expanded windows.
CBS Sports platforms will carry a package of regular season matches, including games on the CBS Television Network/Paramount+ and CBS Sports Network.
ESPN will televise matches across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes, with all games streaming live on the ESPN App in English and Spanish.
Victory+ will feature a weekly Sunday night match alongside 32 additional matches throughout the season, all available to stream for free on the platform.
Remaining matches will stream on the league's free platform NWSL+
Chicago Stars FC: $70 million.Owner: Laura Ricketts. Revenue: $5 million.
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Chicago Stars FC: $70 million.Owner: Laura Ricketts. Revenue: $5 million.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/LPTm1S.Hg.zdeeWwDGyXsw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ff3fbad624f0967e94c752559234346e class=caas-img data-headline="See which club is the NWSL's most valuable" data-caption=" -
Chicago Stars FC: $70 million.Owner: Laura Ricketts. Revenue: $5 million.
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Chicago Stars FC: $70 million.Owner: Laura Ricketts. Revenue: $5 million.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/LPTm1S.Hg.zdeeWwDGyXsw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ff3fbad624f0967e94c752559234346e class=caas-img> -
Houston Dash: $86 million.Owner: Ted Segal. Revenue: $8 million.
" style=padding-bottom:56%> -
Houston Dash: $86 million.Owner: Ted Segal. Revenue: $8 million.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/EpXE4kOTt.ofO4y3_ufk9Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7456b174fed6fcd64eafec2977f7c23f class=caas-img data-headline="See which club is the NWSL's most valuable" data-caption=" -
Houston Dash: $86 million.Owner: Ted Segal. Revenue: $8 million.
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Houston Dash: $86 million.Owner: Ted Segal. Revenue: $8 million.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/EpXE4kOTt.ofO4y3_ufk9Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7456b174fed6fcd64eafec2977f7c23f class=caas-img>
Owner: John Neace. Revenue: $8 million.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>12. Racing Louisville FC: $88 million.
Owner: John Neace. Revenue: $8 million.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/05hc5LF9HpZVaIhe33l1FQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/59b561a83da82c46e7b8b58dc6537d2b class=caas-img data-headline="See which club is the NWSL's most valuable" data-caption="
12. Racing Louisville FC: $88 million.
Owner: John Neace. Revenue: $8 million.
">12. Racing Louisville FC: $88 million.
Owner: John Neace. Revenue: $8 million.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/05hc5LF9HpZVaIhe33l1FQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/59b561a83da82c46e7b8b58dc6537d2b class=caas-img>11. North Carolina Courage: $90 million.
Owner: Steve Malik. Revenue: $8 million.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/lEAXuS_gagI_5wtWQ2xR1w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c3ba8a92acd1c634eb7f89a7a237d63f class=caas-img data-headline="See which club is the NWSL's most valuable" data-caption="
11. North Carolina Courage: $90 million.
Owner: Steve Malik. Revenue: $8 million.
">11. North Carolina Courage: $90 million.
Owner: Steve Malik. Revenue: $8 million.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/lEAXuS_gagI_5wtWQ2xR1w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c3ba8a92acd1c634eb7f89a7a237d63f class=caas-img>
Owner: Mark Wilf. Revenue: $8 million.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>10. Orlando Pride: $92 million.
Owner: Mark Wilf. Revenue: $8 million.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/NnmLwQvtsglL7eahAPqsHQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/76e97e1156dbe38f958fa182499e78a8 class=caas-img data-headline="See which club is the NWSL's most valuable" data-caption="
10. Orlando Pride: $92 million.
Owner: Mark Wilf. Revenue: $8 million.
">10. Orlando Pride: $92 million.
Owner: Mark Wilf. Revenue: $8 million.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/NnmLwQvtsglL7eahAPqsHQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/76e97e1156dbe38f958fa182499e78a8 class=caas-img> -
Utah Royals: $95 million.Owner: Gail Miller. Revenue: $8 million.
" style=padding-bottom:56%> -
Utah Royals: $95 million.Owner: Gail Miller. Revenue: $8 million.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/M91IKGV9p2rxdyAS4DyiTg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2fcd1b940190363e630546b9b9b00e68 class=caas-img data-headline="See which club is the NWSL's most valuable" data-caption=" -
Utah Royals: $95 million.Owner: Gail Miller. Revenue: $8 million.
"> -
Utah Royals: $95 million.Owner: Gail Miller. Revenue: $8 million.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/M91IKGV9p2rxdyAS4DyiTg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2fcd1b940190363e630546b9b9b00e68 class=caas-img> -
Seattle Reign FC: $105 million.Owners: Carlyle, Adrian Hanauer. Revenue: $10 million.
" style=padding-bottom:56%> -
Seattle Reign FC: $105 million.Owners: Carlyle, Adrian Hanauer. Revenue: $10 million.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/QvrKIYflN.orHHaSIoyfqg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a85f74ae19e689c8304ea09a0e2d387d class=caas-img data-headline="See which club is the NWSL's most valuable" data-caption=" -
Seattle Reign FC: $105 million.Owners: Carlyle, Adrian Hanauer. Revenue: $10 million.
"> -
Seattle Reign FC: $105 million.Owners: Carlyle, Adrian Hanauer. Revenue: $10 million.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/QvrKIYflN.orHHaSIoyfqg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a85f74ae19e689c8304ea09a0e2d387d class=caas-img>7. NJ/NY Gotham FC: $110 million.
Owner: Carolyn Tisch Blodgett. Revenue: $9 million.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/U1Z5mSIIVMLXqtj4q6VOiw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f1b0af97a0f7d590f2e3bf1ad305b7bb class=caas-img data-headline="See which club is the NWSL's most valuable" data-caption="
7. NJ/NY Gotham FC: $110 million.
Owner: Carolyn Tisch Blodgett. Revenue: $9 million.
">7. NJ/NY Gotham FC: $110 million.
Owner: Carolyn Tisch Blodgett. Revenue: $9 million.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/U1Z5mSIIVMLXqtj4q6VOiw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f1b0af97a0f7d590f2e3bf1ad305b7bb class=caas-img>6. Portland Thorns FC: $120 million
Owners: Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal. Revenue: $17 million.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xam4AVtLnMzrE_pDtDxo9w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d44e4507f162b49f28366e2a78156bca class=caas-img data-headline="See which club is the NWSL's most valuable" data-caption="
6. Portland Thorns FC: $120 million
Owners: Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal. Revenue: $17 million.
">6. Portland Thorns FC: $120 million
Owners: Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal. Revenue: $17 million.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xam4AVtLnMzrE_pDtDxo9w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d44e4507f162b49f28366e2a78156bca class=caas-img>5. Washington Spirit: $130 million.
Owner: Michele Kang. Revenue: $15 million.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/OEcqIqNXL1__fmIq_rtt0A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f7fd9927b175a32a15ddd239a4d35688 class=caas-img data-headline="See which club is the NWSL's most valuable" data-caption="
5. Washington Spirit: $130 million.
Owner: Michele Kang. Revenue: $15 million.
">5. Washington Spirit: $130 million.
Owner: Michele Kang. Revenue: $15 million.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/OEcqIqNXL1__fmIq_rtt0A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f7fd9927b175a32a15ddd239a4d35688 class=caas-img> -
San Diego Wave FC: $165 million.
Owner: Lauren Leichtman. Revenue: $24 million.
" style=padding-bottom:56%> -
San Diego Wave FC: $165 million.
Owner: Lauren Leichtman. Revenue: $24 million.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/NLDQFRTviWZ4jK_U9y0uYg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04OTE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/6ab1a141a09eb577838f5f42c61233c2 class=caas-img data-headline="See which club is the NWSL's most valuable" data-caption=" -
San Diego Wave FC: $165 million.
Owner: Lauren Leichtman. Revenue: $24 million.
"> -
San Diego Wave FC: $165 million.
Owner: Lauren Leichtman. Revenue: $24 million.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/NLDQFRTviWZ4jK_U9y0uYg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04OTE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/6ab1a141a09eb577838f5f42c61233c2 class=caas-img> -
Bay FC: $170 million.Owner: Sixth Street. Revenue: $21 million.
" style=padding-bottom:56%> -
Bay FC: $170 million.Owner: Sixth Street. Revenue: $21 million.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/lBgakUg2lU3jsH9ObeAb2g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1f565635386d7261c3f672497e72732b class=caas-img data-headline="See which club is the NWSL's most valuable" data-caption=" -
Bay FC: $170 million.Owner: Sixth Street. Revenue: $21 million.
"> -
Bay FC: $170 million.Owner: Sixth Street. Revenue: $21 million.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/lBgakUg2lU3jsH9ObeAb2g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1f565635386d7261c3f672497e72732b class=caas-img>2. Kansas City Current: $275 million.
Owners: Angie and Chris Long. Revenue: $36 million.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/764EeBW41Mtn2I0VJQKgRA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NDk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9844c71e5daa2ee2dc565d1e586e944f class=caas-img data-headline="See which club is the NWSL's most valuable" data-caption="
2. Kansas City Current: $275 million.
Owners: Angie and Chris Long. Revenue: $36 million.
">2. Kansas City Current: $275 million.
Owners: Angie and Chris Long. Revenue: $36 million.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/764EeBW41Mtn2I0VJQKgRA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NDk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9844c71e5daa2ee2dc565d1e586e944f class=caas-img>1. Angel City FC: $280 million.
Owners: Willow Bay and Bob Iger. Revenue: $35 million.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/dTqXPDBMi7eUb1h9rklxxw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/57f114709f19063487f31e8c3eb69fc4 class=caas-img data-headline="See which club is the NWSL's most valuable" data-caption="
1. Angel City FC: $280 million.
Owners: Willow Bay and Bob Iger. Revenue: $35 million.
">1. Angel City FC: $280 million.
Owners: Willow Bay and Bob Iger. Revenue: $35 million.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/dTqXPDBMi7eUb1h9rklxxw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/57f114709f19063487f31e8c3eb69fc4 class=caas-img>
1 / 14See which club is the NWSL's most valuable -
Chicago Stars FC: $70 million.Owner: Laura Ricketts. Revenue: $5 million.
World Cup break
The league will not hold any regular season matches from June 1-28, a period during which the men's World Cup will be played across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The World Cup kicks off on June 11, while there is a CBA-mandated break from June 8-14.
2026 NWSL Challenge Cup
The format of the NWSL Challenge Cup is changing in 2026, with the match between NWSL champion Gotham FC and NWSL Shield winner Kansas City Current set for Friday, June 26, at Scotts Miracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio.
The Challenge Cup was initially a tournament in the summer, started in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. For the last two years, it was held as single preseason match.
With Gotham FC participating in the FIFA Women's Champions Cup at the end of January, the match was moved to the summer this time around.
Full 2026 NWSL schedule
The full schedule for the 2026 NWSL season can be found HERE.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NWSL schedule: 2026 regular season, playoffs outline revealed
Source: “AOL Sports”
