The 2025 National Women’s Soccer League season culminates saturday night in San Jose, where gotham FC and the Washington Spirit will battle for the championship title. following a regular season that saw a 22% increase in viewership, the league’s growing popularity will be on full display before an expected sell-out crowd of 18,000 at paypal Park. The match, featuring stars like Esther González and Trinity Rodman, promises a thrilling finish too a competitive season.
San Jose’s PayPal Park will be the site of a championship showdown Saturday night as Gotham FC, led by Esther González, battles the Washington Spirit and Trinity Rodman for the 2025 National Women’s Soccer League title. The highly anticipated match will crown a champion and cap off a record-breaking season for the NWSL.
These two teams have become intimately familiar with each other this year, having met more often than any other matchup in the league.
A sold-out crowd of around 18,000 fans is expected to witness what promises to be a thrilling contest between these rivals. The NWSL concluded its 2025 regular season with significant growth, reporting a 22% increase in viewership compared to the previous year.
Here’s everything you need to know about the championship game.
How to watch Washington Spirit vs. Gotham FC
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Fans can catch all the action between the Washington Spirit and Gotham FC live on CBS or by streaming the game on Paramount+ on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET. Pregame coverage will begin prior to the 8 p.m. ET kickoff.
Who’s singing the national anthem?
Country music sensation Mickey Guyton will open the championship game with a performance of the national anthem. Guyton, who previously sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Super Bowl LVI, admitted it’s a challenging song to perform.
“Listen, I don’t always feel patriotic lately, but when it comes to women and women’s sports, I’m always going to show up for us,” Guyton told “CBS Mornings.”
While artists often put their own spin on the anthem, Guyton plans to deliver a traditional rendition. “Just keep it very traditional; just sing it through,” she said.
Washington Spirit vs. Gotham FC: What to expect
The stakes are high as two formidable teams clash for the NWSL championship trophy in what’s shaping up to be a captivating contest.
“This is going to be a nail-biter,” NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said, noting that five of the six playoff games were decided by penalty kicks, extra time, or in the final minute.
1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup champions Brandi Chastain and Briana Scurry both anticipate an exciting game, but stressed the importance of focus for the players.
“We love those dramatic moments…we love all of that as fans,” Chastain told “CBS Mornings.”
“Seeing the growth, seeing the activity, just seeing all the investment that’s been happening has been absolutely fantastic. I’m just excited to be here and see it with my own eyes,” Scurry added.
Lori Lindsey, CBS Sports NWSL lead analyst and a former Women’s National Team member, believes the championship will be decided by a battle of “offense versus defense.”
The Washington Spirit boast a potent attack with multiple players capable of finding the back of the net, while Gotham FC is renowned for its experienced defensive unit, anchored by goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger.
“It’s so fun. We have goal scorers. We have great defense. We have great goalkeepers. I mean, you name it, those players are here,” Lindsey said of the talent on display in the NWSL.
