NWSL announces Challenge Cup details

The National Women’s Soccer League has announced additional details for this year’s Challenge Cup. We now have dates and times, a location, tournament structure, and broadcast information. They’ve also brought back sponsor Secret as part of their NWSL Rookie Class Program, in order to provide “sponsorship opportunities for NWSL rookies competing in the tournament.” The full schedule will be announced tomorrow.

Details below:

Kickoff game

Houston Dash vs Chicago Red Stars
April 9
8:30 PM ET / 5:30 PM PT
BBVA Stadium

Championship

May 8
Venue: TBD

Tournament structure

21 total games
Each team plays four group games
10 teams in East and West divisions

East: Racing Louisville FC, North Carolina Courage, Orlando Pride, Sky Blue FC, Washington Spirit
West: Chicago Red Stars, Houston Dash, Kansas City, OL Reign, Portland Thorns FC

Team with most points in each division competes in the final
Tiebreakers go by goal difference, then number of goals scored, then yellow/red cards, then drawing lots
Rosters must carry minimum 18 and maximum 20 for matchday rosters
Five subs allowed for each team during each match

Full tournament rules

Broadcast

Opening game + three more games will air on CBS Sports Network
Final will air on CBS network itself/stream on Paramount+ (formerly CBS All Access)
Every other game streaming on Paramount+ in the US
All games available internationally on Twitch

The league will go from the Challenge Cup directly into the 24-game regular season, which starts May 15.