ESPN unites all eight NWSL final-day matches in first broadcast

ESPN brought all eight NWSL final-day matches together for the first time, with a new studio programme combining live updates and a watchalong. The coverage followed a record slate of simultaneous games, as teams competed for the Shield, home advantage and the last playoff places.

The league’s simulations found 6,561 possible ways the results could unfold and more than 200 potential playoff brackets. ESPN used more than 60 cameras and over 150 staff around the United States, with analysts Ali Krieger and Kelsey Riggs Cuff preparing 12 pages of notes. The broadcast included guest appearances and some technical hiccups, including a penalty-kick feed cut and reported audio-sync problems.