Week 17 delivered everything from record-breaking crowds to historic milestones and dramatic late goals, but the playoff race only tightens heading into Week 18. For some teams, that is. As it stands, the Kansas City Current are having a dominant season, with trophies and glory on their horizon. Will anyone be able to stop them? Here’s what to expect!

How do I watch live games from the 2025 NWSL Regular Season?

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

Friday, August 29

Racing Louisville FC vs. Houston Dash - 7:30 PM ET

How to watch: NWSL+

It’s been somewhat of a Cinderella story season for Racing Louisville, a team that has never in its club history made the playoffs now sits firmly in seventh place with only a point separating them from the sixth place Seattle Reign. Emma Sears can take much of that credit, scoring seven of the team’s 23 goals. Jordyn Bloomer has also been incredible for Racing, stepping up when starting goalkeeper Katie Lund’s season ended due to injury and setting records left and right. Head coach Bev Yanez has truly led this team well, but they’ll be facing a tough opponent this weekend in the Houston Dash, a team who has recently hit their scoring stride thanks to Kiki Van Zanten, Yazmeen Ryan, and Sophie Schmidt. This is set to be a match between two teams many would have counted out earlier in the season but no longer.

Orlando Pride vs. Gotham FC - 8 PM ET

How to watch: Prime Video

It’s fair to say the defending champions have been having a tough season. Held scoreless in back-to-back games and without a victory in the last five, they need to turn things around if they have any hope of defending their title. Unfortunately, they’ll be without top scorer Barbra Banda for the rest of the season.b If any team knows how to rise above adversity and find clutch goals, it’s this team. Gotham is in a similar position, with four recent games ending in ties or losses. They remain in playoff position and thankfully have the not-so-secret weapon Esther González in form to keep them in the running for the postseason, but a victory on the road this weekend would go a long way.

Seattle Reign FC vs. San Diego Wave FC - 10:30 PM ET

How to watch: Paramount+ & NWSL

It’s a West Coast showdown Friday night as the Reign host the San Diego Wave. Last time the two faced off, the Reign came away victorious thanks to a late game goal scored by the young Emeri Adames. It’s still anyone’s game, however, as both teams have the tools needed to be successful on the pitch despite recent showings. For the ReignJordyn Huitema is hitting her stride this season. Getting Huitema and their large cast of goal creators involved will be key. And for San Diego, who have talent across the board and on the bench as well, it comes down to closing out a game strong. This will be a match to watch between two teams with strong postseason odds, where it’s anyone’s game.

Portland Thorns FC vs. Utah Royals FC - 10:30 PM ET

How to watch: Paramount+ & NWSL

Whatever Utah has figured out defensively, if they replicate that game plan this weekend, they could very well spoil Portland’s party. The Thorns suffered a rare home loss last weekend against league leaders Kansas City, held scoreless despite matching their opponents in shots and shots on target. The difference came down to Current goalkeeper Lorena’s heroics and Portland’s missed chances in front of goal. Rookie Pietra Tordin and sophomore Reilyn Turner — two of Portland’s most reliable finishers this season — will once again be tasked with delivering. This matchup has a history of drama, and all signs point to another fun chapter being written this weekend.

Saturday, August 30

Kansas City Current vs. North Carolina Courage - 7:30 PM ET

How to watch: ION

Kansas City enter the weekend riding sky-high after a statement 2–0 win in Portland, their sixth straight on the road and fifth consecutive shutout – tying the league record. Temwa Chawinga continues to lead the Golden Boot race after bagging her 11th of the year, while goalkeeper Lorena remains unbreakable with nine clean sheets. The Courage, meanwhile, are fresh off a 3–3 thriller in Chicago, where Jaedyn Shaw struck and Meredith Speck tallied her 100th-match assist, but defensive lapses cost them two points. With the Current surging at both ends of the pitch and North Carolina proving they can score against the best of them, this clash is shaping up as one of the weekend’s most explosive.

Sunday, August 31

Washington Spirit vs. Chicago Stars FC - 4 PM ET

How to watch: CBS & Paramount+

The Spirit spoiled Bay FC’s record-setting night in Week 17, racing out to a 3–0 lead and surviving late drama in front of 40,091 fans at Oracle Park. Kate Wiesner and Croix Bethune both found the scoresheet, and Washington’s playoff push gained momentum with the three points. They now host a Chicago side buzzing from Ludmila’s jaw-dropping 10 minute and nine second hat trick – the fastest in NWSL history – that salvaged a 3–3 draw with North Carolina. Both sides carry plenty of firepower, and with CBS’ national audience watching, the league’s tight postseason race could get another major shake-up in the nation’s capital.

Monday, September 1

Angel City FC vs. Bay FC - 9 PM ET

How to watch: CBSSN

Angel City are home again after a 1–0 win over Orlando last weekend, where Alyssa Thompson delivered the decisive strike. Hannah Seabert, in only her second NWSL appearance, kept the clean sheet to underline ACFC’s defensive talent. Bay FC arrive still chasing points after falling 3–2 to Washington despite the electric atmosphere of a league-record crowd at Oracle Park. Racheal Kundananji and Kelli Hubly nearly powered a comeback, while Jordan Silkowitz almost scored herself in a desperate late push. With Angel City on the rise and Bay desperate to rebound from their spoiled historic night, the California clash promises high intensity under the lights.