NOTES TO KNOW

TUNE IN

Viewers tuning in to the NWSL this season can catch more than 120 matches across CBS, ESPN, ION and Prime Video. The remaining matches will be available for free on NWSL+, the league’s first-ever domestic direct-to-consumer streaming platform.

Full details on how to watch all Week 16 matches can be found here.

WELCOME BACK WEEK

The NWSL returns to the 2024 regular season after an action-packed international break that saw a record-breaking 60 NWSL players head to Paris for the 2024 Olympics games. A total of 29 players appeared on the tournament’s medal-winning teams, including 19 on the gold medal-winning U.S. Women’s National Team.

While the players competed in Paris, the NWSL x LIGA MX Summer Cup tournament provided an exciting competition and collaboration between the NWSL and LIGA MX Femenil for all players who remained stateside. The first-of-its-kind tournament will culminate in a championship match between the Kansas City Current and NJ/NY Gotham FC in San Antonio, Texas on October 25.

NEW FACES

Also during the international break, NWSL clubs were busy welcoming new faces to the league, bolstering the league’s already impressive international presence this season. Notably, the Washington Spirit signed defender Esme Morgan from WSL side Manchester City, while the Utah Royals added forward Cloé Lacasse from Arsenal and Mina Tanaka from Kobe Leonessa of Japan’s WE League, fresh off her first Olympic appearance. Elsewhere, the Chicago Red Stars strengthened their front line with silver medalist and Brazilian forward Ludmila while NJ/NY Gotham FC, looking to win back-to-back NWSL Championship titles, announced the addition of forward Jéssica Silva from SL Benefica Women.

WEEK 16 PREVIEW

SPACE RACE

The Houston Dash host the Orlando Pride in the first space race clash of this season as the Pride look to extend its regular season 17-game unbeaten streak, dating back to October 15, 2023, that has the club currently sitting in first place on the standings. With a win or a draw on Friday, the Pride will set a new league record, breaking the Kansas City Current’s unbeaten streak set earlier this regular season. Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell has recorded 77 saves in 16 games played this season, the most out of every goalkeeper, as she looks to stop powerhouse forward Barbra Banda from finding the back of the net.

EXPANSION BATTLE

The Utah Royals, coming off an impressive run during the Summer Cup tournament, host fellow expansion side Bay FC for the second showdown between the two clubs. During their first meeting on June 16 at PayPal Park, the Royals ran away with all three points off a last-minute goal from defender Kate Del Fava in the 89th minute.

COASTAL SHOWDOWN

The San Diego Wave FC host neighbors Angel City FC at Snapdragon Stadium in the third match between the 2022 expansion clubs. The regular season match on May 23 saw the two clubs share points after a 0-0 draw. Recently, Angel City welcomed back forward Christen Press after she was elevated off the season-ending injury list during the Summer Cup group stage.

KC IN DC

The Kansas City Current travel to D.C. to take on the Washington Spirit for the first time this regular season. The Current are sitting in second place, just one point ahead of the Spirit, and have only lost one game during the regular season as they look to maintain their 10-1-5 regular season record this campaign.

WEEK 16 MATCH SCHEDULE

Friday, August 23

Houston Dash vs. Orlando Pride | Shell Energy Stadium | 8 p.m. ET | Prime Video

Utah Royals FC vs. Bay FC | America First Field | 9:30 p.m. | NWSL+

Saturday, August 24

NJ/NY Gotham FC vs. Portland Thorns FC | Red Bull Arena| 2:30 p.m. ET | CBS / Paramount+

San Diego Wave FC vs. Angel City FC | Snapdragon Stadium | 4:30 p.m. ET | CBS / Paramount+

Racing Louisville FC vs. Chicago Red Stars | ION | 7:30 p.m. ET | ION

Sunday, August 25

Washington Spirit vs. Kansas City Current | Audi Field | 12 p.m. ET | CBSSN

Seattle Reign vs. North Carolina Courage| Lumen Field | 10 p.m. ET | ESPN 2