CHICAGO, IL–The Chicago Red Stars released their fixture list for the 2024 season–their 12th in the NWSL and 16th overall. The 26-match schedule will start on the road on Saturday, March 16th at America First Field (neé Rio Tinto Stadium) against the Utah Royals (6:30pm CT, ION) who make their return to the league after a two-year absence.
The home opener at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview will be a week later against Seattle Reign (neé OL Reign). Kickoff for that match will be at 3pm and will be on NWSL Online. The Red Stars’ first match against Bay FC will be on Sunday, May 5th in San Jose. Defending Champion Gotham FC will come to Bridgeview on Saturday, October 12th.
This will be the first year of the NWSL’s landmark four-year domestic media rights agreements with CBS Sports, ESPN, Prime Video, and Scripps Sports (ION). The Red Stars will play their first-ever match on Prime Video Friday, June 14th, against Kansas City Current, followed by the club’s first-ever match on ESPN on Saturday, July 6th, against Houston Dash. On Sunday, September 1st, the Red Stars will take on Angel City FC in a match broadcasted on CBS, the Red Stars’ first on CBS since the 2021 NWSL Championship. Information about Red Stars matches to be aired locally to Chicagoland viewers will be announced at a later date.
New this season is the NWSL’s direct-to-consumer platform NWSL+, which will stream all matches not available on the other platforms. NWSL+ is free to all fans tuning in to matches across the U.S. and available to download on all iOS/Android devices, as well as streaming TV distributors Apple TV, Fire TV and Roku. In addition to match coverage, highlights, select replays and additional league and club content will also be available for free on the app.
Also new this season is the NWSL’s expanded playoff format, which will see eight teams qualify for the NWSL playoffs and fighting for the title of NWSL Champions. The quarterfinals round of the NWSL playoffs take place the weekend of November 9-10. The semifinal round kicks off the weekend of November 16-17 ahead of the NWSL Championship on November 23rd.
