When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
The NWSL Playoffs are here, and there are just seven games left in the postseason, including the championship match later this month. Below, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about how to watch the NWSL Playoffs, starting with this weekend’s quarterfinals.
The final eight teams are duking it out in the National Women’s Soccer League Playoffs, with defending champion NJ/NY Gotham FC looking to repeat the success they found last year. But first, they’ll have to get through the Portland Thorns, who won the championship in 2022. Other quarterfinal matches include the Chicago Red Stars vs. Orlando Pride, North Carolina Courage vs. Kansas City Current, and Bay FC vs. Washington Spirit.
The quarterfinals run from November 8 to 10 and will be spread across Prime Video, CBS, and ABC. While no information has been released yet about the viewing options for the two semifinal games (November 16), the championship match will air on CBS on November 23. We’ll keep this page updated as more info emerges.
Keep reading to learn how to watch the NWSL Playoffs. All the options we’ve recommended today are also highlighted in our list of the best sports streaming services and will allow you to live stream games from select other leagues.
How to watch NWSL Playoffs in the US
The NWSL Playoffs will air across multiple streaming services and networks. The first game of the quarterfinals, a match between the Chicago Red Stars and Orlando Pride, will kick off on Friday, November 8 at 8 p.m. ET on Prime Video. Prime Video subscriptions start at $9/month, but you can also access Prime Video with a standard Amazon Prime subscription. Customers can get a 30-day free trial.
Amazon Prime Video Monthly Subscription
Amazon Prime Video is a capable, competitive streaming service that’s more than just a Prime membership perk. You can also sign up for a stand-alone plan at $9/month.
The North Carolina Courage vs. Kansas City Current quarterfinal game will air on CBS on Saturday, November 9 at 12 p.m. ET. Those without access to CBS can live stream the network through Paramount Plus. You’ll need to subscribe to the Paramount Plus with Showtime tier to access CBS live streaming capabilities. Subscriptions for this tier start at $13/month, but new customers can try out the service free for one week. CBS will also host the NWSL championship match.
Paramount Plus with Showtime (Monthly Plan)
Paramount Plus offers a huge library of on-demand content from Paramount, CBS, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, and MTV. The Premium Plan also includes Showtime and live CBS streaming. It costs $12.99 a month or $120 a year.
The final two quarterfinal matches will air on ABC on Sunday, November 10. The first game, between Bay FC and the Washington Spirit, will kick off at 12:30 p.m. ET. The next game, a match-up between the Portland Thorns and NJ/NY Gotham FC, will air at 3 p.m. ET. Cord-cutters can live stream ABC through a live TV streaming service like DirecTV Stream or Fubo. Both of these options also carry CBS, so they’ll help viewers watch multiple games in the NWSL Playoffs. DirecTV Stream plans start at $87/month and include a five-day free trial, while Fubo subscriptions start at $80/month and come with a seven-day free trial.
DirecTV Stream
Previously known as AT&T TV, DirecTV Stream offers streaming access to a large selection of live channels, including most key networks typically found in traditional cable packages.
Fubo Pro Plan
Fubo is the streaming service for sports fans. Its huge library of channels includes regional and international sports leagues, setting it apart from the competition. You can also tack on additional programming to your plan, but it’ll cost you extra.
How to watch NWSL Playoffs from anywhere
If you’re traveling away from home, you can still keep up with your usual viewing options thanks to the help of a VPN (virtual private network). VPNs, like our top pick ExpressVPN, are cybersecurity tools that enable you to change your device’s virtual location and give your online security a boost. By altering your virtual location, you can use your go-to websites and apps just like you would back home.
The services we’ve recommended today require country-specific payment methods, so this option will work best for Americans who are just traveling abroad and hoping to access their usual streaming options. Keep reading to learn how to use a VPN, and check out our ExpressVPN review for more information on the app, which comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN Plan
With its consistent performance, reliable security, and expansive global streaming features, ExpressVPN is the best VPN out there, excelling in every spec and offering many advanced features that makes it exceptional. Better yet, you can save up to 49% and get an extra three months for free today.
How to watch NWSL Playoffs with a VPN
- Sign up for a VPN if you don’t have one.
- Install it on the device you’re using to watch.
- Turn it on and set it to a US location.
- Sign up for one of the above streaming services if you don’t already have an account.
- Enjoy the game.
Note: The use of VPNs is illegal in certain countries, and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content might constitute a breach of the terms of use for certain services. Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.
