The National Women’s Soccer League unveiled its 2027 season schedule on Wednesday, marking the league’s 15th anniversary since its founding in 2013. The new campaign will feature several key dates designed to maximize exposure during major sporting events.
The 2027 season will commence with the NWSL Challenge Cup on Feb. 6, a matchup between the winners of the 2026 NWSL Shield and Championship. The regular season itself will begin on Feb. 11, running 30 matches for the league’s 16 teams. The opening weekend will take place in Los Angeles during Super Bowl weekend, as the NFL hosts Super Bowl LXI at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. League officials indicated this scheduling decision aims to capitalize on heightened visibility during one of the year’s premier sporting entertainment moments.
The season will include two significant breaks in the latter half of the year. A CBA-mandated break is scheduled for June 7-13, followed by an international break from June 24 to July 25 to accommodate the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Regular season play will conclude with NWSL Decision Day on Oct. 31, leading into the playoff phase.
The 2027 playoffs will begin on Nov. 5, with the NWSL Championship taking place on Nov. 20. The season represents a transitional year for the league, as 2027 marks the final year with 16 teams. The NWSL has already approved expansion plans for 2028, with new franchises in Atlanta and Columbus set to join, bringing the total team count to 18—equivalent to double the number of clubs when the league began operations in 2013.
Additional details regarding the complete schedule and broadcast arrangements will be announced at a future time. CBS maintains broadcast rights to the NWSL Championship, with matches also available on CBS Sports Network, CBS Sports Golazo Network, and Paramount+.
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