Everything you need to know about the NWSL playoffs

◀️ Eight of the NWSL’s 16 teams made the postseason after battling through the 30-game regular season. The playoff picture came down to the wire on Decision Day, setting the stage for three weeks of postseason fun.

▶️ Speaking of, it’s on to the playoffs, which consist of three single-elimination rounds — the QFs, semis, and championship game — held in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, November 21st. Queens will be crowned.

• There are no byes, but the top four seeds — reigning champs No. 1 Gotham FC, the No. 2 Wave, No. 3 Washington Spirit, and No. 4 Kansas City Current — boast home-field advantage for the first round. No place like it.

👀 A repeat bid, a telling trend, and a preview of even more footy to come — here are a few of the storylines we’re watching as the fun kicks off.

🛡️ Will the NWSL Shield curse claim another victim?: Gotham won the 2025 NWSL Championship, the NWSL Challenge Cup, and clinched their first-ever NWSL Shield (given to the team with the best regular-season record) all in a single calendar year. They have a chance to do the unthinkable and bookend that with another trophy, but the odds are not in the Shield-winner’s favor.

• Only three teams have won both titles in the same season since the league was founded in 2013. Gotham notably entered the 2025 playoffs as the No. 8 seed and spoiled the double for the then–No. 1 Kansas City Current, eliminating them in the QFs. Is karma loading…or a dynasty?

🌅 Postseason calendar woes continue: This opening round features just one primetime game — a pattern that, as legendary soccer journalist Tamerra Griffin said, is getting old. And we can’t forget the potential scheduling conflicts for the semifinals. Ugh.

⌛ These playoffs have something to prove: Despite its star power, the NWSL’s untraditional calendar has led to a lack of international award recognition (take the Ballon d’Or Féminin and FIFPro Women’s World 11 shortlist, for example). With the stakes rising, the postseason should serve as an opportunity to showcase the league’s quality. It’s a short runway, but this footy is world class.

🫅 No. 7 Utah Royals vs. 🌊 No. 2 San Diego Wave — Tonight at 10 p.m. ET — NWSL+

• The Royals topped the league for several weeks this year and will need to regain that swagger in order to pull off the upset. Their attack will run through forward Cloé Lacasse, but keep an eye on Mina Tanaka, who’s recovering from injury but could have a big impact — even off the bench.

• The Wave have reached the playoffs in four of the last five seasons, but only have one postseason win. Lately, their key to success has been scoring early then parking the bus, led by defender and iron woman Kennedy Wesley, who anchors an unforgiving backline.

😇 No. 5 Angel City FC vs. 💧 No. 4 Kansas City Current — Tomorrow at 12 p.m. ET — TSN Premium

• This battle of the highest-scoring teams in the league should be a real treat. ACFC right back Giselle Thompson can cause problems and create chances on the flank while the Current’s world-class goalscorer and reigning NWSL MVP Temwa Chawinga is lethal upfront.

• The difference maker could be KC’s raucous CPKC Stadium, where the Current went undefeated for a second straight regular season.

👑 No. 8 Seattle Reign vs. 🗽 No. 1 Gotham FC — Sunday at 12:30 p.m. ET TSN Premium

• The Reign earned the last postseason spot with a Decision Day victory — a poetic finish for Seattle legend Jess Fishlock’s final home game. The tiny Welsh dragon is an NWSL OG, but has never won a championship. Perhaps 14th season’s the charm?

• Fishlock and Co. have a tough test ahead in reigning champ Gotham, especially since Rose Lavelle saves her best work for playing her former squad: She scored the stoppage time game-winner in Gotham’s last match against the Reign.

🌹 No. 6 Portland Thorns vs. 🧨 No. 3 Washington Spirit — Sunday at 3 p.m. ET — TSN Premium

• Thorns standout Sophia Wilson didn’t miss a beat returning from maternity leave, scoring 15 goals this season and sharpening her on-field connection with fellow forward Reilyn Turner. That said, Portland was inconsistent in 2026 — and a postseason this tight leaves no room for error.

• As for the Spirit, superstar Trinity Rodman believes in the power of three. The D.C. gals lost the last two NWSL championships, but can win it all at home this season, so long as their recently-shaken midfield finds its footing.

🫅 No. 7 Utah Royals vs. 🌊 No. 2 San Diego Wave — Tonight at 10 p.m. ET — Prime Video

• The Royals topped the league for several weeks this year and will need to regain that swagger in order to pull off the upset. Their attack will run through forward Cloé Lacasse, but keep an eye on Mina Tanaka, who’s recovering from injury but could have a big impact — even off the bench.

• The Wave have reached the playoffs in four of the last five seasons, but only have one postseason win. Lately, their key to success has been scoring early then parking the bus, led by defender and iron woman Kennedy Wesley, who anchors an unforgiving backline.

😇 No. 5 Angel City FC vs. 💧 No. 4 Kansas City Current — Tomorrow at 12 p.m. ET — CBS/Paramount+

• This battle of the highest-scoring teams in the league should be a real treat. ACFC right back Giselle Thompson can cause problems and create chances on the flank while the Current’s world-class goalscorer and reigning NWSL MVP Temwa Chawinga is lethal upfront.

• The difference maker could be KC’s raucous CPKC Stadium, where the Current went undefeated for a second straight regular season.

👑 No. 8 Seattle Reign vs. 🗽 No. 1 Gotham FC — Sunday at 12:30 p.m. ET — ABC

• The Reign earned the last postseason spot with a Decision Day victory — a poetic finish for Seattle legend Jess Fishlock’s final home game. The tiny Welsh dragon is an NWSL OG, but has never won a championship. Perhaps 14th season’s the charm?

• Fishlock and Co. have a tough test ahead in reigning champ Gotham, especially since Rose Lavelle saves her best work for playing her former squad: She scored the stoppage time game-winner in Gotham’s last match against the Reign.

🌹 No. 6 Portland Thorns vs. 🧨 No. 3 Washington Spirit — Sunday at 3 p.m. ET — ABC

• Thorns standout Sophia Wilson didn’t miss a beat returning from maternity leave, scoring 15 goals this season and sharpening her on-field connection with fellow forward Reilyn Turner. That said, Portland was inconsistent in 2026 — and a postseason this tight leaves no room for error.

• As for the Spirit, superstar Trinity Rodman believes in the power of three. The D.C. gals lost the last two NWSL championships, but can win it all at home this season, so long as their recently-shaken midfield finds its footing.