NWSL Announces Fall Series

The GIST: After a v. successful return-to-play tournament in July, the NWSL is coming back, baby.

What’s going on?: After initially saying that the Challenge Cup would stand in for the regular season, the NWSL has changed its mind and decided to give us more soccer with the NWSL Fall Series.

• The nine teams will be split into three regionalized “pods” to help cut down on travel, and each team will play four games against the two other teams in their pod — two at home, two away — between September 5th (yes, so soon!) and October 17th. No word on what playoffs will look like yet (if they even happen at all).

What made them come back?: The decision to return to the pitch is largely based on the success of the Challenge Cup. Over the summer, the league saw massive increases in TV revenue and their fanbase, and they received huge props for keeping players, staff and their families safe in the OG bubble environment in Utah.

• At least four games will be broadcast nationally on CBS, and the league is looking to benefit from the significant decrease of college sports in the fall. Based on local and state guidelines, some games could even allow for live spectators. As long as the league can do it right, we’re falling for the Fall Series.