NWSL Playoffs 2025: Live Scores, Shock Upsets & What Tonight’s Results Mean for the Championship

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) enters September with a flurry of headline-worthy developments that could reshape the 2025 season’s playoff picture and the league’s transfer market. Balanced 26-match calendar intensifies playoff push Late last week the league formally unveiled its 2025 regular-season schedule—a balanced 26-game slate that runs through Oct. 25 and features every club playing each opponent once at home and once away. The symmetry has coaches preaching consistency in the season’s final third; drop points now and there is no second chance against the same rival. KC Current first to clinch postseason berth That urgency was on full display as the Kansas City Current punched the league’s earliest playoff ticket with a 2-1 win over the North Carolina Courage on Sunday, stretching their unbeaten streak to nine and guaranteeing a top-six finish. Coach Vlatko Andonovski credited the midseason acquisition of Brazilian defender Tainara for stabilizing a back line that conceded just five goals during the streak. Angel City braced for Alyssa Thompson exit? Off the field, Angel City FC is preparing for the possibility of losing teenage phenom Alyssa Thompson before Thursday’s WSL transfer deadline. ESPN reports that negotiations with Chelsea are “progressing,” with a transfer fee expected to eclipse last winter’s league-record $700k deal for Naomi Girma. Thompson remained in Los Angeles this week for medical evaluations, ruling her out of Wednesday night’s crucial home fixture against San Diego Wave. Bay FC’s expansion momentum Meanwhile in Northern California, second-year club Bay FC continues to draw crowds that rival MLS neighbors. A behind-the-scenes look at Saturday’s sold-out date with OL Reign revealed that PayPal Park’s game-day revenue has already surpassed the club’s entire 2024 total. On the pitch, Albertin Montoya’s side clings to sixth place by a single point over Houston Dash, setting up a must-watch September 27 rematch against Utah Royals highlighted by Spain World Cup star Salma Paralluelo’s first Bay Area appearance. Broadcast innovations continue Prime Video’s exclusive Friday-night package remains the highest-rated women’s sports property on U.S. streaming, averaging 703k viewers through Week 17 according to the league office. CBS Sports Network will simulcast the final two Fridays of the season as part of a push to maximize playoff-race exposure. Internationally, NWSL+ announced carriage agreements with Sky Sports (UK/Ireland) and DAZN (DACH), expanding reach to an additional 18 million households. Key matches to watch this week • Washington Spirit vs. Houston Dash — Wednesday, 7 p.m. ET, CBS SN Rookie sensation Olivia Moultrie returns from concussion protocol for the Dash, who have scored just twice in their last four games. • Angel City vs. San Diego Wave — Wednesday, 10 p.m. ET, Prime Video Without Thompson, Angel City may hand a first start to Ghanaian forward Evelyn Badu. Wave midfielder Emily Van Egmond is one yellow card from suspension. • Bay FC vs. Utah Royals — Saturday, 8 p.m. ET, CBS SN Both newcomers have realistic playoff hopes; a draw likely helps neither. Injury notebook – Orlando Pride center-back Marta Cox (ACL) underwent successful surgery Monday; timetable 8–10 months. – North Carolina Courage striker Kerolin (hamstring) returned to full training and is listed as probable versus Portland. – Chicago Red Stars winger Mallory Swanson (ankle) will travel but is doubtful for Friday’s tilt with Louisville. What’s next Transfer drama, playoff clinching scenarios, and an unprecedented broadcast push are converging to make September the league’s most consequential month yet. Whether Thompson departs or stays, whether Bay FC’s dream run continues, and how quickly the Thompson transfer fee is reinvested will be storylines that drive fan engagement—and search traffic—well beyond Decision Day.