The 2025 NWSL Championship is set to be a thrilling contest between the Washington Spirit and Gotham FC at PayPal Park in San Jose. The match, which is expected to be a nail-biter, will be aired on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. Pre-game coverage kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time on CBS Sports Golazo Network and YouTube, continuing at 7:30 p.m. on CBS and Paramount+.
This game marks the 44th time that Washington and Gotham have faced each other, making it the most played matchup in the league's history. Both teams have previously tasted NWSL title glory; Washington won the 2021 NWSL Championship, and Gotham secured the 2023 NWSL Championship and the CONCACAF W Champions Cup in May.
The Washington Spirit enters the championship as the No. 2 seed. All eyes are on Trinity Rodman, who has recovered from an MCL sprain and is expected to lead Washington's attack. NWSL Defender of the Year, Tara McKeown, will play a crucial role in stifling Gotham's offense. Other key players for the Spirit include Croix Bethune and Leicy Santos.
Gotham FC, despite being the lowest-seeded team to qualify for the playoffs, is not to be underestimated. They defied expectations by defeating the Kansas City Current at CPKC Stadium, a feat only accomplished once before. Jaedyn Shaw has been a standout performer with three goal contributions in the playoffs. Gotham's stacked squad also includes Women's World Cup winners Esther Gonzalez and Rose Lavelle. Goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger will anchor Gotham's experienced defense.
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman anticipates an intense match, noting that many playoff games were decided by penalty kicks, extra time, or last-minute goals. Brandi Chastain and Briana Scurry, winners of the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup, emphasize the importance of focus and sticking to the game plan. CBS Sports NWSL lead analyst Lori Lindsey highlights the matchup as a clash between Washington's potent offense and Gotham's strong defense.
Adding to the pre-game excitement, country music star Mickey Guyton, who previously performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl LVI, will sing the national anthem.
Fans can anticipate a tightly contested and exciting championship game between these two rivals.
