streaming guide

The NWSL Is Back — Here’s How to Stream Every Women’s Soccer Game

After the USWNT's triumph in Paris, the best women's soccer players in the world are back to the regular season

By Jonathan Zavaleta

Jonathan Zavaleta

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August 22, 2024

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HARRISON, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 19: Alex Morgan #13 of San Diego Wave FC claps for teammate effort in the second half of the National Women's Soccer League match against the NJ/NY Gotham FC at Red Bull Arena on June 19, 2024 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Ira L. Black - Corbis/Getty Images)

HARRISON, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 19: Alex Morgan #13 of San Diego Wave FC claps for teammate effort in the second half of the National Women's Soccer League match against the NJ/NY Gotham FC at Red Bull Arena on June 19, 2024 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Ira L. Black - Corbis/Getty Images) Getty Images

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After clinching their first Olympic gold since 2012, the USWNT are returning as heroes — but they’re also back to being rivals. The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) was on hiatus for seven weeks, as its star players packed up their cleats for Paris. But the champs had to keep their celebrations brief, as the regular season resumes on August 23.

Whether you’re a season pass holder or just tuning in post-Olympics, there’s never been a better time to be a women’s soccer fan. But fans looking to stream the games will find that NWSL availability is a confusing patchwork of free and premium networks and streaming services. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best options for streaming every NWSL game without cable.

The best way to find each game is to check the NWSL schedule, which has a complete breakdown of each game and where it can be streamed. According to the NWSL, the games will be streaming as follows:

There are several different ways to watch these channels, including streaming bundles that let you catch most of the action. Here’s a breakdown of the different streamers.

How To Watch The NWSL This Season

NWSL Streaming — How To Watch Women's Soccer Online

DirecTV Stream

$89.99/mo $119.99/mo 25% off

sign up now

You can get a five day free trial of DirecTV Stream’s Ultimate package, which is the most comprehensive option for streaming the NWSL. The Ultimate package includes ESPN and ESPN2. It’s the most affordable package that also includes CBS Sports Network, which carries some of the games but isn’t included with Paramount+. ION, which carries many of the games, is a free channel that’s included with DirectTV Stream. Depending on the region, DirectTV Stream should also carry local affiliates of CBS, which air some of the games.

NWSL Streaming — How To Watch Women's Soccer Online

Prime Video

$14.99/mo

sign up now

Prime Video is carrying Friday night games this season, in addition to the deep TV and movie library and perks like free shipping that come with a Prime membership. You can save a couple of bucks a month by paying for an annual membership, which costs $139. If you’d rather just pay for Prime Video and don’t want the other Prime perks, a membership costs $8.99 a month.

NWSL Streaming — How To Watch Women's Soccer Online

Paramount+ with Showtime

$12.99/mo

sign up now

Paramount+ will get you access to CBS to stream many of the games, including top matches between reigning champs Gotham FC vs Portland Thorns and a SoCal rivalry between San Diego Wave FC and Angel City FC. Women’s soccer games are included on the Paramount+ with Showtime plan, but not on the Paramount+ Essential plan.

NWSL Streaming — How To Watch Women's Soccer Online

Hulu + Live TV

$76.99/mo

sign up now

Hulu + Live TV includes a 3-day free trial and costs $76.99/month after that. CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, and ESPN 2 are included with Hulu + Live TV making it one of the most comprehensive options for streaming women’s soccer. However, ION is not included.

NWSL Streaming — How To Watch Women's Soccer Online

NWSL+

sign up now

Games that aren’t carried by other networks and streamers can be found on NWSL+, a free streamer that only requires an e-mail to sign up. The app can be found on Amazon Firestick, Roku, and Apple TV.

How To Watch ION

ION is carrying Saturday night games this season. It’s a free channel that’s available over-the-air (OTA), meaning you can watch it with a TV antenna or cable subscription, depending on your region. Those without an antenna can find ION with a free service like Pluto or Tubi, or with their smart TV’s native platform such as Google TV, Fire TV, and Roku.

Players To Watch

Forward Mallory Swanson was Team USA’s top scorer in Paris, notching the lone goal in the USA-Brazil gold medal final. In the NWSL, Swanson plays for the Chicago Red Stars. Washington Spirit’s Trinity Rodman and Portland Thorns FC’s Sophia Smith also scored multiple goals for Team USA. Alex Morgan was on team USA’s winning 2012 Olympics and 2015 and 2019 World Cup rosters, but was notably not selected by head coach Emma Hayes for Paris. Morgan currently plays for San Diego Wave FC. The regular season ends on November 3, and the final will take place on November 23.

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