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

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.

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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:

• Weekly Friday night matches on Prime Video .
• Weekly Saturday night double-headers on ION.
• Regular season matches on the CBS Television Network and Paramount+ , with additional matches airing on CBS Sports Network.
• ESPN will air matches across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+

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

DirecTV Stream

You can get a three-month 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.

Prime Video

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.

Paramount+ with Showtime

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.

Hulu + Live TV

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+

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.