NWSL Playoff Scenarios Headed into Week 25 | News

15 October 2025By: NWSL Editor

NWSL Playoff Scenarios Headed into Week 25

Seattle clinched a playoff berth with the 2-1 win vs. Utah. This is the 8th time for the Reign to reach the playoffs — only Portland has reached the playoffs more often (11 times before this season).
San Diego clinched a playoff berth with the 6-1 win vs. Chicago. This marks the third time for the Wave to reach the playoffs in their first four NWSL seasons. They are the 5th club to do so.
Gotham clinched their 3rd straight playoff berth with a 2-2 draw vs. Louisville.
Portland can clinch with a win at Angel City today.
Louisville can still clinch on Decision Day.
Final seeding for most teams won’t be determined until Decision Day (November 2).
Angel City and Houston have been eliminated, due to Louisville’s draw.
North Carolina’s 4-1 win at Bay FC keeps them alive for Week 26.

Angel City FC

Can finish: 8th – 12th
Eliminated - Week 25

Bay FC

Eliminated - Week 23

Chicago Stars FC

Eliminated - Week 22

Gotham FC

Can finish: 3rd – 9th
Clinched a playoff spot - Week 25

Houston Dash

Can finish: 8th – 12th
Eliminated - Week 25

Kansas City Current

Status: No. 1 seed / NWSL Shield winner

Racing Louisville FC

Can finish: 3rd – 9th
Can clinch on Decision Day.

North Carolina Courage

Can finish: 7th – 11th
Can clinch on Decision Day.

Orlando Pride

Can finish: 3rd – 8th
Clinched playoffs - Week 24

Portland Thorns FC

Can finish: 3rd – 9th
Clinches playoffs with:

San Diego Wave FC

Can finish: 3rd – 9th
Clinched a playoff spot - Week 25

Seattle Reign FC

Can finish: 3rd – 9th
Clinched a playoff spot - Week 25

Utah Royals FC

Eliminated - Week 24

Washington Spirit

Status: No. 2 seed