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The NWSL Playoffs are here, and there are just three games left in the postseason, including the championship match later this month. Below, we've compiled everything you need to know about how to watch the NWSL Playoffs with or without cable.
The final four teams are duking it out in the semifinals of the National Women's Soccer League this weekend. First up, the Washington Spirit will take on the NJ/NY Gotham FC. Gotham are the reigning champions and eliminated the Portland Thorns 2-1 in the quarterfinals last weekend. The Orlando Pride and Kansas City Current are also slated to face off this weekend after defeating the Chicago Red Stars and North Carolina Courage, respectively, in the quarterfinals. The winners of the semis will square off in a winner-take-all championship match on November 23.
Keep reading to learn how to watch the NWSL Playoffs. All the options we've recommended today are also highlighted in our list of the best sports streaming services and will allow you to live stream games from select other leagues.
How to watch NWSL Playoffs in the US
The NWSL Playoffs will air across multiple streaming services and networks in the US. The quarterfinals aired across Prime Video, ABC, and CBS, while the semifinals will be split between ABC and CBS. The NWSL Championship match will also air on CBS.
If you're only interested in the CBS matches, Paramount Plus is the cheapest way to watch. You'll need to subscribe to the Paramount Plus with Showtime tier to access live streams of your local CBS affiliate. Subscriptions for this tier start at $13/month, but new customers can try out the service free for one week
Paramount Plus offers a huge library of on-demand content from Paramount, CBS, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, and MTV. The Premium Plan also includes Showtime and live CBS streaming. It costs $12.99 a month or $120 a year.
The ABC match will be available through ESPN Plus, which costs $12/month. ESPN Plus carries select sporting events in its lineup, with an emphasis on UFC and college sports.
ESPN Plus is designed for sports, giving subscribers access to live MLB, NHL, NFL, soccer, golf, and UFC fights. You can pay $12 monthly or go for an annual deal, which saves you about $24 a year. There's also a bundle with Hulu and Disney Plus, which offers an even better discount.
If you'd rather watch ABC and CBS in one place or you're seeking a more robust live TV streaming service, DirecTV Stream or Fubo might be the way to go. DirecTV Stream plans start at $87/month and include a five-day free trial, while Fubo subscriptions start at $80/month and come with a seven-day free trial. The subscriptions carry anywhere from 90 to 200+ live channels, depending on which option and tiers you sign up for.
Previously known as AT&T TV, DirecTV Stream offers streaming access to a large selection of live channels, including most key networks typically found in traditional cable packages.
Fubo is the streaming service for sports fans. Its huge library of channels includes regional and international sports leagues, setting it apart from the competition. You can also tack on additional programming to your plan, but it'll cost you extra.
How to watch NWSL Playoffs from anywhere
If you're traveling away from home, you can still keep up with your usual viewing options thanks to the help of a VPN (virtual private network). VPNs, like our top pick ExpressVPN, are cybersecurity tools that enable you to change your device's virtual location and give your online security a boost. By altering your virtual location, you can use your go-to websites and apps just like you would back home.
The services we've recommended today require country-specific payment methods, so this option will work best for Americans who are just traveling abroad and hoping to access their usual streaming options. Keep reading to learn how to use a VPN, and check out our ExpressVPN review for more information on the app, which comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
With its consistent performance, reliable security, and expansive global streaming features, ExpressVPN is the best VPN out there, excelling in every spec and offering many advanced features that makes it exceptional. Better yet, you can save up to 49% and get an extra three months for free today.
How to watch NWSL Playoffs with a VPN
- Sign up for a VPN if you don't have one.
- Install it on the device you're using to watch.
- Turn it on and set it to a US location.
- Sign up for one of the above streaming services if you don't already have an account.
- Enjoy the game.
Note: The use of VPNs is illegal in certain countries, and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content might constitute a breach of the terms of use for certain services. Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.
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