With the NWSL Shield and the first top-four seed already secured, along with five playoff spots, the race for the remaining three spots—and the final three top-four seeds—is more intense than ever. Additionally, heading into this weekend’s matchups, four teams are facing potential elimination. With so much at stake, every goal and every point counts as the playoff picture reaches its final stages.

How do I watch live games from the 2024 NWSL Regular Season?

• Friday night matches airing on Prime Video are available to US fans here.
• Saturday night double-headers airing at 7:30 and 10 p.m. ET on Scripps-owned ION network are available to US fans here.
• For games airing on CBS, US fans can watch here. US Fans can also stream on Paramount+ here.
• For games airing on ESPN, US fans can watch here. Matches on ESPN and ESPN2 will also stream on ESPN+.
• For games airing on NWSL+, US fans can watch here.
• Fans outside of the US can watch on NWSL+.
• Fans in Australia can watch on Optus.

Friday, October 11

Match: Portland Thorns vs. Orlando Pride - 10:00 PM EST

How to watch: Prime Video

Orlando Pride and Portland Thorns face off in Portland and with Orlando fresh off clinching the NWSL Shield, the momentum is on the visitor’s side. The Pride are rewriting history with contributions from Brazilian stars like Marta, whose goal last week marked the 58th regular-season goal by a Brazilian player for the club, the most by any non-U.S./Canadian nationality in NWSL history. Meanwhile, the Thorns are desperate for a turnaround after matching their longest-ever winless streak at seven games and dropping three straight at home for the first time in club history. With Olivia Moultrie becoming the youngest player to score a penalty in a regular season match in league history, Portland needs their young star to step up again as they try to snap Orlando’s dominance.

Saturday, October 12

Match: Chicago Red Stars vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC - 4:00 PM EST
How to watch: NWSL+ | Paramount+ | Golazo

Gotham FC and Chicago Red Stars meet in Chicago as Gotham aims to solidify their playoff position. A win or a draw here earns them a top-4 seed and the chance to host a playoff match at home. Gotham has been in dominant form, winning 13 of their last 18 matches and coming off a statement 5-1 win over Bay FC last weekend, highlighted by Esther’s record-breaking three-goal contribution as a substitute. Chicago’s Ludmila has also been in scoring form, finding the back of the net in her last three matches, something no Red Star had done since 2019. With both teams pushing for playoff spots, this match could have significant postseason implications.

Match: North Carolina Courage vs. Angel City FC - 7:30 PM EST
How to watch: ION

North Carolina Courage hosts Angel City FC Saturday evening and both teams desperately want all 3 points from this match–the Courage need to win if they want to stay in contention for a top-4 seed and Angel City needs the win if they want to remain in control of their playoff fates for the rest of the weekend. Angel City’s Alyssa Thompson has been in top form, contributing to seven goals in her last seven matches and leading a resurgent Angel City side looking to secure a postseason berth. The Courage, however, have been a force at home, boasting a 20-match unbeaten streak and closing in on a record for home wins in a single season. With 16 different goal scorers this year, North Carolina’s diverse attack is going to be a huge test for Angel City’s defense.

Match: Bay FC vs. Kansas City Current - 10:00 PM EST
How to watch: ION

Bay FC takes on Kansas City Current in a matchup that features two of the league’s most dynamic attacking threats. Kansas City’s Temwa Chawinga has already equaled the NWSL single-season records for goals and goal contributions, making her the player to watch in case she breaks it this weekend. Meanwhile, Bay FC’s Asisat Oshoala has carried the scoring load for her team, netting their last four goals. With a win, Kansas City clinches a top-4 seed home playoff. Bay FC, however, can’t be eliminated from the playoffs this weekend and they can’t clinch either.

Sunday, October 13

Match: Washington Spirit vs. Racing Louisville FC - 5:00 PM EST
How to watch: NWSL+

Washington Spirit and Racing Louisville square off at Audi Field in Sunday’s first NWSL matchup. When they last met, Washington came out on top with a 2-1 victory, and they’ve been nearly unstoppable at home since, scoring multiple goals in five consecutive matches. However, Racing’s defense, anchored by current Iron Women Katie Lund and Abby Erceg—both of whom have played every minute this season—will look to disrupt the Spirit’s attacking rhythm and provide stability as Louisville aims to pull off an upset. A win and the Spirit clinch that elusive home field advantage during the quarterfinals.

Match: Utah Royals FC vs. Seattle Reign - 5:00 PM EST
How to watch: ESPN 2 | ESPN+ | ESPN Deportes

The Utah Royals host Seattle Reign in a high-stakes matchup that could dramatically reshape the playoff landscape. Utah has been formidable at home, winning six of their last nine and proving dangerous late in games—76.5% of their goals have come after halftime. The recent surge in form from Hannah Betfort and Mina Tanaka has given their attack new life, making the Royals a tough challenge for any opponent as evident in their victory in Portland last weekend. A loss would officially eliminate Utah from playoff contention, while a draw would leave their postseason hopes dependent on earlier results. For Seattle, it’s simple: they need all three points. Anything less, and their season will end before the playoffs even begin.

Match: San Diego Wave FC vs. Houston Dash - 8:00 PM EST
How to watch: NWSL+ | Paramount+ | Golazo

San Diego Wave hosts Houston Dash in a must-win showdown for the home side. The Wave have been lethal on set pieces this season, leading the league with nine goals off corners, including Hanna Lundkvist’s strike last weekend. However, San Diego’s inability to find a second goal in that match cost them valuable points, putting added pressure on this fixture. Houston, already eliminated from playoff contention, may have nothing to play for in terms of standings, but they’ll still be hungry to play spoiler and finish strong. The Dash won’t go down quietly, making this a challenging test for a Wave team looking to finish strong.