How to Watch: 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup
The first National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) match in Columbus isn’t scheduled to kick off until 2028, but on Friday evening, Central Ohio gets a preview of what’s to come as two of the league’s premier clubs battle inside ScottsMiracle-GRO Field.
Kansas City Current and Gotham FC will square off in the 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup, bringing one of the league’s marquee events to Columbus ahead of the city’s own expansion franchise debut.
The Challenge Cup traces its roots back to 2020, when it was created as a way for the league to safely return to play during the COVID-19 pandemic. Held in a “bubble” environment with extensive testing and health protocols, the tournament marked the return of the first professional team sport in the United States following the shutdown.
Since then, the competition has evolved into the NWSL’s version of a Super Cup, featuring the reigning league champion against the previous season’s NWSL Shield winner. This year’s matchup pits defending champion Gotham FC against Shield winner Kansas City Current, with the first trophy of the 2026 season on the line.
How to watch
Game: Kansas City Current vs. Gotham FC
Kickoff: 8 PM EST
TV: Prime Video
The 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup will be available to stream on Prime Video. Access to the match requires an Amazon Prime subscription, which currently costs $14.99 per month. New subscribers are eligible for a 30-day free trial, providing an opportunity to watch the match at no additional cost.