I think I’m having déjà vu. I could’ve sworn that just two years ago Gotham FC was the low seed in the NWSL playoffs only to go on an incredible run to win a championship.
Well, it’s happening again. After an unbelievable win over No. 1 seed and NWSL Shield winners, the Kansas City Current, in the quarterfinals, Gotham FC proceeded to win a nail-biter against Orlando in the semifinals, needing a goal in the 97th minute from Jaedyn Shaw to pull out the road victory.
Perhaps this team performs best in an underdog role, but it’s hard to remain underdogs when you keep winning against strong competition. Regardless, it’s clear Washington will have their hands full when they travel to PayPal Park. Here’s everything to know with the semifinals behind us.
2025 NWSL playoffs bracket
Quarterfinals
- No. 8 Gotham FC 2, No. 1 Kansas City Current 1 (extra time)
- No. 4 Orlando Pride 2, No. 5 Seattle Reign FC 0
- No. 2 Washington Spirit 1, No. 7 Racing Louisville FC 1 (Washington won 3-1 in penalties)
- No. 3 Portland Thorns FC 1, No. 6 San Diego Wave FC 0 (extra time)
Semifinals
- No. 2 Washington Spirit 2, No. 3 Portland Thorns 0
- No. 8 Gotham FC 1, No. 4 Orlando Pride 0
Championship game
At PayPal Park in San Jose, California
- No. 2 Washington Spirit vs. No. 8 Gotham FC, 8 p.m. ET, Nov. 22 | CBS
When will the championship take place?
The NWSL Championship will take place on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. ET. Unlike the rest of the NWSL playoffs though, the higher-seeded Washington Spirit will not host the championship game. Instead, the title contest will be held at a neutral site at PayPal Park in San Jose, California. The game will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
Stream the NWSL Championship with Paramount+
The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
