It’s been a rollercoaster of a month for women’s soccer fans, who have cheered, cried and sipped tea during the Women’s World Cup. Many have fallen in love with the players and the sport this summer – and their affair doesn’t have to end just yet.
Fans can keep watching as early as this week. No need to wait four years for the next cup.
Here’s how:
Watch online
Every National Women’s Soccer League match is streamed online live.
The NWSL, the US women’s soccer league, is generally regarded as one of the best women’s soccer leagues in the world. Its season began in April, with the championship set for October.
Yahoo Sports live streams every league game for free. ESPN, beginning on July 14, will show 14 of this season’s remaining matches, thanks to a new deal between the network and the league.
Watching European women’s soccer is a little more difficult. Unless you’re based in the country, it’s almost impossible to legally stream a team’s regular league games. Bleacher Report Live streams some UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) Women’s Champions League games.
Expansion has been slow
According to Deadline, 55 players in the Women’s World Cup play in NWSL – including everyone on the US Women’s National Team.
The NWSL played its first season in 2013 and has nine team: Chicago Red Stars, Houston Dash, North Carolina Courage, Orlando Pride, Portland Thorns FC, Tacoma, W.A.’S Reign FC, New Jersey’s Sky Blue FC, Utah Royals, and Washington Spirit.
Expansion has been slow. The NWSL has lived longer than other women’s soccer leagues, but it’s still fragile, with the Boston Breakers shutting down early last year after they failed to find a new owner.
