NWSL returns in June with NWSL Challenge Cup

The 2020 NWSL season will kickoff June 27 in Herriman, Utah with the brand new NWSL Challenge Cup. All 9 NWSL teams will participate in the 25 match tournament which will makeup the entirety of the 2020 NWSL season.

So what do fans need to know about the tournament? The following information has been outlined by the NWSL. This list doesn't include everything, but it should cover the main focus points. 

1) Each team will play 4 matches (18 total matches) to determine 1-9 seeding. The top 8 teams then move on to the knockout stage which consist of quarterfinals, semifinals, and the championship. 

2) The first 22 matches will be played at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman, Utah. The semifinals and championship will be played at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah.

3) No fans will be permitted to attend the matches due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The only way to watch the matches will be through NWSL broadcasting partners.

4) NWSL Broadcasting Partners are as follows: 

CBS All Access (US & Canada): All 25 matches

Twitch (Internationally outside the US & Canada): All 25 matches

CBS: The opening match and the championship, which will be simulcast on CBS All Access. 

CBSSN: All matches on a replay basis. However CBS All Access will be needed if you intend to watch them live.

5) Teams will arrive in Utah by June 24. The league will provide the travel funds and limit teams to a 35-person travel party. Teams can bring more than those 35 people, but any additional personnel will be paid for by the team instead of the league.

6) COVID-19 testing protocols have been announced as follows (thanks go to Jonathan Tannewald for compilying the information).

"Each player, official, and essential staff member will be tested 48 hours prior to departure for Utah and upon arrival and will be subject to consistent testing, temperature readings, and symptom review throughout their stay in Utah. The full protocols have also received unanimous support from the NWSL board of directors and the NWSLPA and can be found HERE." 

7) The schedule of matches and broadcast information will be announced at a later date, but the tournament will begin June 27 and conclude on July 26.

8) Sponsors announced include Budweiser, P&G, Secret, and Verizon.

So there you have it. For additional information please visit nwslsoccer.com or read Jonathan Tannewald's article in the Philadelphia Inquirer.