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national woman football The league (NWSL) championship match between Gotham FC and Washington Spirit on Saturday averaged 1,184,000 viewers. cbs And Paramount+ set a new record.
This figure makes it the most watched final in league history, representing a 22 percent increase over the 2024 final and a 45 percent increase over the 2023 final.
Gotham FC won 1–0 thanks to a second-half goal from Rose Lavelle, as seen by viewership San Jose The match reached 1.55 million.
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman said: “This record-setting audience reflects the deep connection fans have with our players, our clubs and the world-class competition on the field, and it underlines the growing demand for women’s soccer on the biggest stages.”
The NWSL’s seven postseason matches averaged 550,000 spectators, bringing the total to 3.36 million viewers – an 18 percent increase from last season.
Combined playoff attendance reached 114,459, with the final drawing a crowd of 18,000.
The NWSL was founded in 2012 as the successor to Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS), and began with only eight teams.
This figure has since increased to 14, and next year there will be 16 clubs competing in the league.
The Portland Thorns are the most successful team in league history, having won three championships in 2013, 2017, and 2022 respectively.
Three sides have won two championships, including Gotham FC following their win on Saturday night.
Washington Spirit have now lost three finals after falling short against Gotham FC, having also been defeated by Orlando Pride in the showpiece event last year.
The regular 2026 season is scheduled to begin on March 13, with the final weekend concluding on November 1 before the playoffs later that month.
The 2026 championship match is scheduled for November 21.