NWSL Decision Day finalizes playoff picture
The 2026 NWSL regular season came to a close as Seattle Reign FC secured the eighth and final playoff spot on an action-packed Decision Day on Sunday. Defender Jordyn Bugg scored the game-winner in Seattle's 1-0 victory over Orlando to earn the team’s ninth postseason appearance.
Gotham FC officially clinched the No. 1 seed and its first NWSL Shield with a 2-0 win against the Utah Royals as midfielder Jaedyn Shaw scored her 11th goal of the season. Also getting on the scoresheet were forwards Trinity Rodman and Sophia Wilson, who are both heading to the postseason with the Washington Spirit and Portland Thorns, respectively. Wilson’s 15 goals were the third-most in the league, with Rodman tied for fourth with 12 goals. Ashley Sanchez won the Golden Boot with a record-tying 20 goals, though the North Carolina Courage narrowly missed the postseason.
View the 2026 NWSL Playoffs bracket and first-round schedule here.
Emma Hayes named to SBJ’s Power Players
USWNT head coach Emma Hayes was named to the Sports Business Journal’s Power Players: Innovators in Women’s Sports. The 2026 edition of Power Players focuses on women leaders who are innovating amid change and are continuing to drive the business of women’s sports forward.
USMNT
