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4h ago

NWSL Moves 2027 Season Start to Super Bowl Week

The league says the timing targets bigger audiences, using a schedule that shields players through a World Cup pause, a negotiated June 7–13 break, plus avoidance of FIFA windows.

May 24, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; The logo of the National Women's Soccer League at SeatGeek Stadium before the game between the Chicago Stars and the Kansas City Current. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-Imagn Images/ File Photo
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Overview

  • The NWSL published its 2027 footprint that begins the regular season on Feb. 11 in Los Angeles to coincide with Super Bowl week and lift the league’s visibility.
  • Each club will play a 30-match regular season under a double round-robin format, with every team facing each opponent once at home and once away.
  • The league will hold a Challenge Cup match the week before kickoff featuring the 2026 Shield winner versus the 2026 Champion at a neutral site, with a rematch if one club wins both trophies.
  • The calendar includes a league-wide pause for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil and a players’ week off agreed for June 7–13 to reduce conflicts with international duty and support health.
  • Decision Day is set for Oct. 31, first-round playoffs are scheduled for Nov. 5–7, semifinals for Nov. 13–14, and the NWSL Championship is planned for Nov. 20 with the venue to be decided.