NWSL Final Reaches Record 1.55M Viewers, Playoffs Increase by 18%

NEW YORK — Over the weekend, the NWSL championship match between Gotham FC and the Washington Spirit drew in a record-breaking number of viewers. With an average of 1,184,000 people tuning in on CBS and Paramount+, this game marked a 22% increase in viewership compared to the 2024 final and a 45% increase from the 2023 final.

The exciting match ended with a 1-0 victory for Gotham FC, thanks to a second-half goal from Rose Lavelle. The game, held at PayPal Park in San Jose, California, reached its peak viewership at an impressive 1.55 million viewers.

NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman expressed her excitement about this milestone, stating, “This record-setting audience demonstrates the deepening connection fans have with our players, our clubs, and the world-class competition on the field. It underscores the growing demand for women’s soccer on the biggest stages.”

Throughout the postseason, the NWSL saw a steady rise in viewership, with a total of 3.36 million viewers tuning in to the seven playoff matches broadcast across ABC/ESPN and CBS. This marked an 18% increase over the 2024 season. The league also reported a combined attendance of 114,459 for the playoff matches and a sellout crowd of 18,000 for the final.

These numbers are a testament to the growing popularity and success of women’s soccer, showcasing the talent and appeal of the NWSL to a broader audience.