The road to the NWSL Championship in Washington, D.C. begins this weekend as the league's eight best teams open the postseason. Three former champions are in the field, including 2025 titleholders Gotham FC, who enter as favorites after winning the NWSL Shield for the first time. Gotham aims to become the first team to complete the Shield-and-championship double since the Orlando Pride did so in 2024, and the first to win back-to-back titles since the North Carolina Courage in 2018 and 2019.
Quarterfinal Schedule
All times Eastern.
Friday, Nov. 6
San Diego Wave vs. Utah Royals, 10 p.m. (Prime Video)
Saturday, Nov. 7
Kansas City Current vs. Angel City FC, 12 p.m. (CBS, Paramount+)
Sunday, Nov. 8
Gotham FC vs. Seattle Reign, 12:30 p.m. (ABC)
Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns, 3 p.m. (ABC)
Semifinals and Final
Semifinals will take place during the weekend of Nov. 14–15. The matchups will be Gotham FC/Seattle Reign winner vs. Kansas City Current/Angel City FC winner, and San Diego Wave/Utah Royals winner vs. Washington Spirit/Portland Thorns winner. The championship final is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. on CBS and Paramount+.
Expert Predictions
Ahead of the regular season, six analysts from CBS Sports and Attacking Third made early picks. Four selected Kansas City Current to win the NWSL Championship, while two chose Washington Spirit. For the Shield, two picked Gotham FC, with one each for Washington Spirit, Orlando Pride, and Kansas City Current.
With the playoffs set, the consensus has shifted. Several analysts now favor San Diego Wave to lift the trophy, while others back Gotham FC to follow their Shield win with the championship. Kansas City Current remains a title pick for one analyst. The panel includes Darian Jenkins, Kelley O'Hara, McCall Zerboni, Jen Beattie, Lori Lindsey, Sandra Herrera, Crystal Dunn, Lisa Carlin, and Pardeep Cattry.
