Overview
- The single‑elimination quarterfinals began Friday, Nov. 6, with four first‑round games scheduled through Sunday, Nov. 8, to reduce the field to two semifinal hosts.
- Gotham FC entered the postseason as the No. 1 seed and Shield winner and will host its quarterfinal against Seattle while monitoring midfielder Jaelin Howell’s fitness.
- The NWSL says it is working with clubs and broadcast partners after Sports Illustrated Stadium, Snapdragon Stadium and Audi Field each showed availability conflicts for the Nov. 14 semifinal window.
- League planners are considering smaller alternative venues such as Icahn Stadium in New York or adjusted host scenarios that could shrink local capacity and change kickoff times to protect national TV windows.
- Players and the NWSL Players Association have warned the problem highlights a wider infrastructure gap because most clubs do not control their own venues, a shortfall that could affect playoff fairness and future investment in the women’s game.