Overview
- The 16-team league will play 248 regular-season games, opening March 13 with Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns and continuing March 14 with Gotham FC at Boston Legacy’s debut at Gillette Stadium.
- Regular-season play pauses June 1–28 for the men’s World Cup and a CBA-mandated player break, with league matches resuming July 3 and Decision Day set for Nov. 1.
- The one-off 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup is scheduled for June 26 in Columbus between reigning champion Gotham FC and Shield winner Kansas City Current.
- National coverage expands across Prime Video, ION, CBS platforms, and ESPN networks, with free streaming on Victory+ and remaining matches on NWSL+.
- Venue logistics reflect growth and World Cup demands as Boston splits home dates between Gillette Stadium and Centreville Bank Stadium, Denver uses Empower Field, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park and a temporary Centennial site, and Seattle Reign shifts its first three home games to ONE Spokane Stadium.