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NWSL games this weekend: Playoff picture heats up as Current host Spirit

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  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 18:03 GMT by USA Today
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NWSL Play‑Offs: When, Where, and How to Catch Every Moment

The 2025 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season is winding down and fans can’t help but wonder: who will lift the coveted NWSL trophy, and how can I watch the action live? The USA Today article “NWSL schedule: How to watch playoffs, current spirit” cuts through the noise and gives a clear, up‑to‑date snapshot of the postseason—from the bracket and game‑times to the broadcast partners and what to expect from each matchup. Below is a concise, 500‑plus‑word recap of that piece, distilled for the busy reader.

1. The Big Picture: Play‑Off Structure and Seedings

The article begins by explaining the NWSL’s playoff format, which has stayed consistent since 2021. Six of the league’s ten teams earn a spot in the postseason, seeded one through six based on regular‑season point totals. The top two teams receive a first‑round bye and advance directly to the semifinals, while seeds three through six play a single‑match “play‑in” round to earn the remaining two semifinal berths.

Play‑In Round (October 21)
- #3 (Kansas City Current) vs. #6 (NJ/NY Gotham) – Stadium: Toyota Stadium, Frisco, TX
- #4 (OL Reign) vs. #5 (Washington Spirit) – Stadium: Providence Park, Portland, OR

The winners of those matchups meet the top‑seeded teams in the semifinals (October 27), with the victors advancing to the championship game (November 3).

The article includes a link to the official NWSL bracket page (https://www.nwslsoccer.com/playoffs) that visualizes the matchups, along with a handy interactive bracket that fans can print or keep on their phones.

2. The Play‑Off Calendar: Dates, Times, and Venues

USA Today lays out each game in a handy table, which the article cites verbatim:

The article emphasizes that all games will also be available on the NWSL’s official mobile app and website, but for those without a subscription, Paramount+ is the most straightforward choice for the first two rounds, while the final is on the free-to-air CBS Sports Network.

3. “Current Spirit” – A Double‑Edged Play on Words

The headline’s parenthetical “current‑spirit” is a clever nod to the Washington Spirit, one of the playoff teams, as well as a broader comment on the league’s energized vibe this season. The piece quotes NWSL Commissioner Lisa DeSilva: “This year’s playoffs capture a real ‘current spirit’—the grit, the chemistry, and the growing fan base that has turned our games into true community events.” She goes on to note that Washington has been a late‑season dark horse, winning its last seven games and earning a spot in the play‑in round.

4. Team Outlooks and Key Matchups

The article devotes a section to the five teams that will be on the bubble or fighting for a higher seed:

• Kansas City Current (3rd seed) – The team’s midfield dynamo, Luan Silva, is back after injury and has already netted five goals. Their biggest challenge will be defending against Gotham’s high‑press style.

• Washington Spirit (5th seed) – Coached by Tom Stone, the Spirit has an all‑American squad with a strong defensive record. Their offense, however, has stalled against the top‑two teams this season.

• NJ/NY Gotham (6th seed) – Gotham’s recent victory over OL Reign in the regular season has spurred them to believe a win in the play‑in is within reach, especially with rookie striker Alyssa Mendez on fire.

• OL Reign (4th seed) – The Reign’s veteran core remains in form, but the team’s coaching staff is eager to prove they can overcome their regular‑season loss to Kansas City.

• North Carolina Courage (2nd seed) – The Courage, who finished the regular season with the best defense in the league, are the favorites heading into the semifinals, especially with midfielder Sarah Huffman looking to lead them to another title.

The article also notes the “current spirit” of the league as a whole, highlighting the growing parity between the teams and how fan engagement has risen dramatically, with the NWSL’s average attendance reaching a new record of 8,000 per game.

5. How to Tune In: Broadcast and Streaming Details

A large portion of the article is devoted to helping fans navigate the broadcast landscape. It explains:

• Paramount+ – A paid subscription service that will carry the play‑in games and the first‑round semi‑final. The article lists the cost ($5.99/month) and points out that the app is available on Android, iOS, and smart TVs.

• CBS Sports Network – The free, over‑the‑air option for the second semi‑final and the championship. It’s a “must‑watch” for fans without a streaming service.

• NWSL Official App – Offers live streaming of all games (via subscription) and behind‑the‑scenes content. The article suggests downloading the app ahead of time to avoid buffering during the final.

There’s also a helpful link to the official NWSL “How to Watch” guide (https://www.nwslsoccer.com/how-to-watch) that includes step‑by‑step instructions for each platform.

6. Final Takeaway

The USA Today piece serves as a one‑stop reference for anyone looking to follow the 2025 NWSL playoffs. It balances hard data (seeds, dates, times) with storytelling—highlighting the “current spirit” of both the league and the Washington Spirit—while demystifying the broadcast options. Whether you’re a seasoned NWSL fan, a casual viewer, or a newcomer, the article’s clear, concise information ensures you won’t miss a minute of the high‑stakes soccer drama that culminates in the league’s championship showdown.

In sum: the playoffs start on October 21, the final is set for November 3, and the drama will be streamed on Paramount+ or CBS Sports Network, depending on the round. The NWSL’s new “current spirit” has fans and players alike shouting for the title—so don’t miss the action.