The NWSL continues to grow in all aspects, viewership included. According to Nielsen Big Data+ Panel, ESPN has seen a 61% increase across all platforms — ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN+, Disney+, and ESPN Deportes
— when it comes to the NWSL. So, while the 2024 season averaged 141,000 viewers, the 2025 season increased to 228,000.
ESPN revealed that the most-watched match was Kansas City Current vs. Portland Thorns on March 15 with an average of 610,000 viewers on ABC and ESPN+, followed by the Chicago Stars vs. Washington Spirit on May 10 with an average of 561,000 viewers on ABC and ESPN+. Most recently, the NJ/NY Gotham FC vs. Washington Spirit drew an average of 325,000 viewers on August 9.
Besides, ESPN learned there has been an increase in the Spanish-speaking fans, with a surge of 109% viewers on ESPN Deportes compared to 2024. Regarding gender, 50% of the audience was female for the second consecutive season.
Who’s the most-watched team? The answer is Washington Spirit, since three of the top five most-watched matches on ABC and ESPN include the Capitol club.
ESPN prepares special coverage for the playoffs
November 7 marks the beginning of the 2025 playoffs, featuring the match between Orlando Pride and Seattle Reign. Coverage will start at 4 PM ET with a special edition of Fútbol W, the channel’s weekly studio program dedicated to professional women’s soccer, and will be aired on ESPN2.
Cristina Alexander and Ali Krieger will feature in this special program and will offer exclusive previews, match analysis, and an interview with Portland Thorns’ Olivia Moultrie.
Two days later, on November 9, ABC and ESPN+ will air two playoff games: Kansas City Current vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC at 12:45 PM and later the same day, Portland Thorns FC vs. San Diego Wave at 3 PM.
