How to Watch the 2026 NWSL Playoffs on Sling
From the opening round to the NWSL Championship, here's how to stream the postseason action, catch the biggest matchups and follow the road to the title with Sling.
The regular season is in the books, but there's still plenty of reason to watch soccer games. The NWSL Shield has been awarded. And now? It's win or go home.
The 2026 NWSL Playoffs kick off Friday, November 6, with eight teams chasing one championship. Sunday's quarterfinal doubleheader brings plenty of intrigue, as defending champion and top-seeded Gotham FC takes on Seattle Reign, followed by a heavyweight clash between Washington Spirit and Portland Thorns.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJJfzzugiBc
Two games. Four teams. Two tickets to the semifinals on the line. Here's how to catch all the action on ABC with Sling Blue.
Where to Watch the 2026 NWSL Playoffs with Sling
With the championship on the line and no second chances, expect big moments, bold plays and plenty of postseason drama. Catch both of Sunday's NWSL playoff matchups on ABC in select markets with a monthly Sling Blue subscription. Here's the Sunday lineup:
Gotham FC vs. Seattle Reign FC | Sun Nov. 8 | 12:30PM | ABC
Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns FC | Sun Nov. 8 | 3PM | ABC
Gotham FC vs. Seattle Reign FC: Preview and How to Stream
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GQhlko97kog
Date: Sun, Nov 8
Time: 12:30PM ET
Location: Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison, NJ
TV: ABC
Gotham FC knows a thing or two about making a championship run as an underdog. The club won last year's NWSL title as the No. 8 seed. This time around, the tables have turned. Gotham enters the playoffs as the defending champion, the NWSL Shield winner and the team everyone wants to knock off.
Standing in their way? The Seattle Reign, who claimed the eighth and final playoff spot with a 1-0 win over Orlando Pride on Decision Day. Seattle is chasing its first NWSL championship, having finished runner-up three times.
Don't expect a goal-scoring bonanza. Gotham conceded a league-low 23 goals during the regular season, while Seattle allowed just 33. Neither club was especially prolific on offense, with Gotham scoring 39 goals and Seattle managing 37. This could be more of a defensive battle than an offensive showcase.
But don't count out the underdogs. The last time these teams met, Seattle jumped out to a 2-0 lead before Gotham stormed back for a 3-2 victory, scoring all three goals after the 81st minute.
Gotham knows better than anyone what an eighth seed can accomplish in November. Seattle would love nothing more than to return the favor.
Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns FC: Preview and How to Stream
Date: Sun, November 8
Time: 3PM ET
Location: Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
TV: ABC
The Washington Spirit and Portland Thorns are no strangers to the postseason. Washington has reached the NWSL Championship in each of the last two seasons, while Portland boasts a league-record three titles. Now, the No. 3 Spirit and No. 6 Thorns meet with another trip to the semifinals on the line.
And there's some recent history to consider. Washington knocked Portland out of last year's playoffs with a 2-0 semifinal victory. The teams split their two regular-season meetings in 2026, with Portland winning 1-0 in March before Washington returned the favor with a 2-1 victory in September. Safe to say these clubs know each other pretty well.
Washington finished the regular season 17-9-4, earning home-field advantage for Sunday's showdown. But the Spirit will be without midfielder Hal Hershfelt, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury in October. Portland, meanwhile, enters the playoffs with some momentum after posting consecutive shutouts to close the regular season.
Of course, there's also the matter of Trinity Rodman and Sophia Wilson. The U.S. Women's National Team stars have combined for 27 goals this season, and either is capable of turning a match on its head. We'll dig deeper into both players below.
Washington has home-field advantage and a shot at reaching a third consecutive championship game. Portland has revenge on its mind and a fourth NWSL title in its sights. Something's gotta give.
NWSL Playoffs 2026: Players to Watch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYtumEqzi8c
The postseason is where stars shine brightest, and Sunday's quarterfinals feature some serious talent. Here are four players worth keeping an eye on.
Trinity Rodman, Washington Spirit
One of the biggest names in women's soccer, Rodman has the speed, creativity and finishing ability to change a game in an instant. The U.S. Women's National Team star finished the regular season with 12 goals and eight assists, and she'll be looking to lead Washington to a third straight NWSL Championship appearance.
Sophia Wilson, Portland Thorns FC
Portland has its own superstar in Wilson, who finished the regular season with 15 goals and five assists. The USWNT forward closed out the campaign with two goals against Houston, sending a pretty clear message that she's ready for the postseason. Washington's defense will have its hands full.
Rose Lavelle, Gotham FC
A World Cup champion and one of the most creative midfielders in the game, Lavelle has a knack for delivering in big moments. Just ask Seattle. She scored the dramatic stoppage-time winner in Gotham's 3-2 comeback victory over the Reign earlier this season. Another little bit of magic on Sunday? Don't rule it out.
Jordyn Bugg, Seattle Reign FC
At just 20 years old, Bugg is already establishing herself as one of the league's most promising defenders. She also scored the goal that secured Seattle's playoff berth on Decision Day. Now comes an even bigger challenge: helping shut down the defending champions on their home turf.
2026 NWSL Playoff Bracket and Schedule
The 2026 NWSL Playoffs feature eight teams competing in a single-elimination tournament, with the top four seeds hosting their quarterfinal matchups. From there, it's win and advance, with the championship trophy waiting at the finish line.
Quarterfinals
Fri, Nov. 6: San Diego Wave vs. Utah Royals | 10PM ET | Prime Video
Sat, Nov. 7: Kansas City Current vs. Angel City FC | Noon ET | CBS / Paramount+
Sun, Nov. 8: Gotham FC vs. Seattle Reign | 12:30PM ET | ABC
Sun, Nov. 8: Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns | 3PM ET | ABC
Semifinals
Sat, Nov. 14: Semifinal 1 | 12PM ET | CBS / Paramount+
Sun, Nov. 15: Semifinal 2 | 3PM ET | ABC
NWSL Championship
Sat, Nov. 21: NWSL Championship | 8PM ET | CBS / Paramount+
The winner of Gotham-Seattle faces the winner of Kansas City-Angel City, while Washington-Portland's winner takes on the winner of San Diego-Utah.
The championship happens at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., where one team will lift the trophy and claim the 2026 NWSL title.
Watch the NWSL Playoffs With Sling
November soccer is a different beast. Every goal matters a little more, every mistake stings a little harder, and there's no room for an off day. With the NWSL Championship in sight, expect plenty of drama as the league's best battle for a shot at the title.
Gotham is defending its crown, Seattle is looking to play spoiler, and Washington and Portland have a score to settle. Sunday's doubleheader has all the makings of a postseason thriller. Catch both games live on ABC in select markets with a monthly Sling Blue.