The NWSL final is set to return to Washington's Audi Field this year, with the championship game scheduled for 21 November. The stadium, home to the Washington Spirit, last hosted the final in 2022 when the Portland Thorns defeated the Kansas City Current 2-0.
A Premier Venue for the NWSL
The Spirit have transformed Audi Field into one of the league's premier venues. Their recent 2-1 victory over the Seattle Reign drew a crowd of 19,365, marking their third sellout of the season. All four of the Spirit's home playoff games in 2024 and 2025 have been sellouts, with crowds exceeding 19,000 fans. The league has capitalized on this momentum by scheduling three of those four games in its national CBS broadcast slot, and the final will be broadcast in prime time on CBS.
History of the Final at Audi Field
The 2022 final at Audi Field attracted 17,624 spectators, the third-highest attendance in NWSL final history. Since the league began hosting the final at neutral sites in 2015, only two teams have played a final at their home stadium: Portland in 2018 (a 3-0 loss to North Carolina) and North Carolina in 2019 (a 4-0 win over Chicago).
The Washington Spirit have reached the championship game in each of the past two seasons. The upcoming final marks a return to a venue that has become synonymous with NWSL excellence. The previous three finals were held in San Jose, Kansas City, and San Diego, with the 2023 final at Snapdragon Stadium setting a record attendance of 25,011.
The Athletic first reported the location, and the league is expected to release further details on Wednesday. The Spirit's success on and off the field has made Audi Field a fortress, and fans can expect another thrilling championship match in the nation's capital.
