How to Watch the 2026 NWSL Playoffs on DIRECTV
The 2026 NWSL Championship is Saturday, November 21, at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+, and the playoffs leading up to it start the weekend of November 6-8. It's the fifth straight year the title game has aired in primetime on CBS. Last year's final, won by Gotham FC, drew more than 1 million viewers, the most-watched match in league history according to CBS Sports.
Eight teams make the playoffs. The regular season ends on Decision Day, Sunday, November 1, so the bracket and the fourth quarterfinal's platform are not final yet. Here's the confirmed broadcast schedule and how to watch on DIRECTV, as of October 23, 2026.
2026 NWSL playoff TV schedule
| Round | Date | Time (ET) | Where to watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarterfinal | Sat., Nov. 7 | Noon | CBS, Paramount+ |
| Quarterfinal | Sun., Nov. 8 | 12:30 p.m. | ABC, ESPN app |
| Quarterfinal | Sun., Nov. 8 | 3 p.m. | ABC, ESPN app |
| Quarterfinal | Nov. 6-8 (date to be set) | TBA | Platform TBA |
| Semifinal | Sat., Nov. 14 | Noon | CBS, Paramount+ |
| Semifinal | Sun., Nov. 15 | 3 p.m. | ABC, ESPN Deportes, ESPN app |
| NWSL Championship | Sat., Nov. 21 | 8 p.m. | CBS, Paramount+ |
CBS lists its quarterfinal, semifinal and championship times on its 2026 NWSL schedule, and ESPN's official schedule sets the ABC windows. The fourth quarterfinal's platform and time have not been assigned publicly. Matchups depend on the final standings, and the published times remain subject to change.
How to watch the NWSL playoffs on DIRECTV
Most of the postseason is on broadcast TV, which makes it easy on DIRECTV. The CBS and ABC games air on your local CBS and ABC stations, which come with DIRECTV packages in most areas. Our page on getting CBS with DIRECTV covers local CBS access. Spanish-language coverage of the November 15 semifinal is on ESPN Deportes, DIRECTV channel 466.
The streaming pieces work alongside your TV service. CBS games, including the Championship, also stream on Paramount+, and our guide to Paramount+ plans and ads compares its tiers. The ABC games stream in the ESPN app. A DIRECTV Gemini device keeps those apps on the same screen as your live channels.
Before the playoffs: the last regular-season games
Every team had two games left after the October 16-18 weekend. Orlando Pride vs. Gotham FC on Sunday, October 25, at 3 p.m. ET is on CBS Sports Network, which our CBS Sports Network channel guide lists as DIRECTV channel 221. On Decision Day, Sunday, November 1, all eight final matches kick off at the same time, 5 p.m. ET, on ESPN networks. Check our ESPN on DIRECTV guide for channel numbers.
When the 2026 NWSL bracket will be set
All eight Decision Day matches start at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 1, across ESPN networks. The final standings determine the quarterfinal matchups and home teams. This page will be refreshed after Decision Day when the league publishes the full bracket and the remaining broadcast assignment.
For a look at how the league's TV deals came together, see our story on the NWSL's 2026 media rights. If you follow soccer year-round, our Premier League 2026-27 guide covers the European season on DIRECTV.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2026 NWSL Championship?
The 2026 NWSL Championship is Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+.
When do the 2026 NWSL playoffs start?
The quarterfinals are November 6-8, 2026, after the regular season ends on Decision Day, Sunday, November 1. The semifinals follow on November 13-15.
What channel are the NWSL playoffs on?
Confirmed playoff games are on CBS and Paramount+, ABC and the ESPN app. The November 15 semifinal also has Spanish coverage on ESPN Deportes; one quarterfinal platform is still TBA.
Can I watch the NWSL playoffs on DIRECTV?
Yes. The CBS and ABC games air on local CBS and ABC stations through DIRECTV, and ESPN Deportes is DIRECTV channel 466. One quarterfinal platform is still TBA.
When is NWSL Decision Day?
NWSL Decision Day is Sunday, November 1, 2026. All eight matches start at 5 p.m. ET across ESPN networks.
Want CBS, ABC, ESPN and CBS Sports Network for every NWSL playoff window? Call 1-855-690-9884 to compare DIRECTV packages available at your address.