Washington @ North Carolina

NWSL players demand more respect for women's sports amid playoff venue issuesPlayers from Gotham and Kansas City have called for women's sports to be better prioritized by stadium operators amid issues surrounding NWSL semifinal venues.ESPN 20h WAS2026 NWSL playoffs: Matchups, schedule, where to watchThe NWSL will soon crown its next champion.ESPN 23h WASWashington Spirit vs. Utah Royals - How to watch the NWSL semifinalsAfter losing last season's NWSL Championship to Gotham FC, Washington Spirit have an opportunity to book their place in the final again when they host Utah Royals at Audi Field.ESPN 1d WASTrinity Rodman heaps praise on Clara Luvanga and Melissa Bethi for Washington Spirit's NWSL playoff heroicsTanzania forward Luvanga scored once and provided both assists for Trinity Rodman's goals, while Algeria midfielder Bethi opened the scoring after just six minutes at Audi Field.ESPN 4d WASAli Krieger previews the NWSL semifinalsESPN 5d Video WASWashington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns FC - Game HighlightsWatch the Game Highlights from Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns FC, 11/09/2026ESPN 5d Video WASNWSL facing venue conflicts in potential semifinal matchupsESPN Nov 6 Video WASCourage miss out on playoffs despite Sanchez winning Golden BootNorth Carolina Courage forward Ashley Sanchez was confirmed as the 2026 NWSL Golden Boot winner on Sunday, but her team still missed the playoffs by finishing in ninth place.ESPN Nov 1 NCNorth Carolina Courage vs. Denver Summit FC - Game HighlightsWatch the Game Highlights from North Carolina Courage vs. Denver Summit FC, 11/02/2026ESPN Nov 1 Video NCHow tunnel fits help NWSL players showcase their off-the-field personalitiesWhether it's a form of expression or a means of building a brand, NWSL players are taking advantage of the league's emphasis on pregame fashion.ESPN 4d WASEvery NWSL team eliminated from playoffs: One offseason question to answerThe NWSL Championship is almost here -- and these teams won't be in it. ESPN breaks down every eliminated team's biggest offseason question to answer.ESPN 4d WAS · NCWhy every playoff team will or won't win the NWSL ChampionshipThe NWSL Playoffs are here! From star players to squad depth, to defensive flaws -- here's what could make or break every contender.ESPN Nov 6 NC

Stories ESPN tags with Washington or North Carolina. Each opens on ESPN.