Kansas City Current clinch NWSL Shield as broadcast shift to NWSL+
The Kansas City Current secured the 2025 NWSL Shield after a dominant regular season, marking a milestone in the league's broadcast transition and playoff preparations.
The Kansas City Current secured the 2025 NWSL Shield after finishing the regular season with the league's best record, becoming the first team to win the title under the league's new broadcast arrangement with NWSL+. The achievement follows their 2022 Championship runner-up finish and marks a milestone in the league's transition to the Nw
The Kansas City Current won the 2025 NWSL Shield, finishing the regular season with the league's best record. The National Women's Soccer League is a 16-team professional league in the United States, owned by its clubs and sanctioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation. The Current, founded in 2021 as an expansion team, reached the 2022 Championship final and now hold the Shield after a dominant 2025 campaign. A broadcast realignment moves all Victory+ scheduled matches to the newly launched NWSL+ platform, while CBS has committed to airing 14 games during the 2025 season, including the November 22 Championship. The shift reflects growing investment in the league, with a four-year domestic deal valued at $240 million. The 2025 regular season began on March 14 and will run through November, culminating in the Shield-deciding matches.
Current's rise and 2025 Shield triumph
The Kansas City Current captured the 2025 NWSL Shield after finishing the regular season with the league’s best record. Founded in 2021 as an expansion franchise, the team reached the 2022 Championship match and has now emerged as one of the league’s top performers. The achievement comes amid a broader reorganization of NWSL broadcast rights, with all matches previously slated for Victory+ now moving to the NWSL+ service.
CBS will air fourteen matches during the 2025 season and playoffs, including the NWSL Championship scheduled for November 22. The 2025 season began on March 14, and the full regular‑season calendar runs from March 13 through November 1, according to reports. The league’s four‑year broadcast deal is valued at $240 million, reflecting growing investment in women’s professional soccer.
The Current’s rise underscores the competitive balance within the 16‑team league and highlights the impact of stable ownership and strategic expansion. Their 2025 Shield victory marks a milestone for the franchise and signals continued growth for the NWSL as it consolidates media partnerships and prepares for the 2026 season, which is set to start on March 13.
Broadcast realignment and CBS coverage
The 2025 NWSL season will feature a four-year, $240 million domestic broadcast deal, with CBS airing 14 matches across the regular season and playoffs, including the Championship on November 22. Victory+ programming has been moved to the NWSL+ platform, reflecting a broader shift in how the league distributes its content. This arrangement marks a significant increase in funding and visibility for the league, supported by a mix of traditional broadcast and streaming partnerships. The deal underscores growing confidence in the NWSL’s commercial potential as it approaches its tenth season. CBS’s involvement includes select high-profile matches, reinforcing its role as a key broadcaster for women’s professional soccer in the United States.
Season timeline and upcoming fixtures
The 2025 NWSL regular season began on March 14, opening with Orlando Pride hosting the newly rebranded Chicago Stars FC. The full schedule extends through November 1, with the postseason culminating in the Championship match on November 22. Fourteen teams will compete for the NWSL Shield, and the Kansas City Current will aim to build on their regular-season success in the postseason.
The Kansas City Current secured the 2025 NWSL Shield after finishing the regular season with the league's best record. Their championship campaign began with a victory over the Orlando Pride, who hosted the rebranded Chicago Stars FC on March 14. The Current's consistent performance throughout the season, which ran through November 1, positioned them as favorites heading into the postseason. Fourteen teams competed for the Shield, but only the Current maintained the top position. The team will now shift focus to the playoffs, seeking to add a championship title to their regular-season achievement. Matches in the postseason will continue through November, with the final scheduled for November 22. The Current's success reflects their strong organizational structure and player development. Their Shield victory marks a milestone in the franchise's short history since its 2021 founding. The broadcast shift to NWSL+ ensures broader access to matches, including those involving the Current.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NWSL?
The National Women's Soccer League is the top professional women's soccer league in the United States. It consists of 16 teams owned by the clubs and sanctioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation. The league is headquartered in New York City.
Who owns the Kansas City Current?
The Kansas City Current is an American professional soccer team based in Kansas City, Missouri. It competes in the NWSL and was founded as an expansion team in 2021. The team reached the 2022 NWSL Championship as runner-up and won the 2025 NWSL Shield.
When does the 2025 NWSL season start?
The 2025 NWSL season began on Friday, March 14. The regular season runs through November 1, with 14 matches broadcast on CBS, including the championship on November 22.
What is the NWSL Shield?
The NWSL Shield is awarded to the team with the best regular-season record. In 2025, the shield was won by the Kansas City Current, who finished with the league's best record.
Where can I watch NWSL matches in 2025?
All matches previously scheduled for Victory+ have been moved to the NWSL+ service. CBS will air 14 matches during the 2025 season and playoffs, including the NWSL Championship on November 22.
