Kansas City has been the team to beat all season — bursting with talent, unbeaten at home, and the fastest team in league history to win the Shield. But with a recent injury to Temwa Chawinga, the back-to-back Golden Boot winner, the Current will need its other stars to step up. With USWNT call-ups Michelle Cooper, Claire Hutton, Ally Sentnor, and Lo’eau LaBonta anchoring a strong core, Kansas City may be well on its way to a first-ever NWSL title.

Spirit's star Trinity Rodman went down ahead of the international break with an MCL sprain in a season plagued by injuries, but if she’s healthy for the playoffs, Washington will be even more dangerous. Add in Gift Monday, Sofia Cantore, Croix Bethune, and Tara McKeown, and the Spirit are loaded with postseason firepower. Orlando may have ended the Spirit’s 16-game unbeaten streak in October, but this squad is stacked and primed to make a deep run.

The Thorns are led by midfielder Olivia Moultrie, this season’s team-leading scorer, paired with USWNT standout Sam Coffey, who steers the squad on both offense and defense. With nine straight playoff appearances — the longest active streak in the NWSL — Portland brings experience to these playoffs, hoping to build on the bright moments they’ve had this season.

The defending champs are back, earning back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time in club history. Despite losing Barbra Banda to a season-ending injury in August, Orlando has kept battling this season, securing the fourth seed ahead of playoffs. At 39, Marta continues to dominate — forcing an own goal and scoring the game-winning penalty off the bench against Washington ahead of the international break. With a mix of experience, grit, and clutch late-game magic, the Pride once again look built for the playoffs.

The Reign have been unbeaten at home since the NWSL resumed in August (3-0-2), steadily building momentum heading into the playoffs. Claudia Dickey has been a rock in goal, recording three shutouts over five matches and 13 total shutouts since her league debut in 2023 (tied for the most in Reign history). Along with Dickey, Sofia Huerta is leading the defense with stability at the back. If the Reign hits its stride at the right time, this squad could be dangerous in the playoffs.

The Wave were the hottest offensive team in the season’s first months, but the squad has settled down in the second half. French international Delphine Cascarino has been a standout in attack, becoming the only NWSL player with at least five goals and five assists. In the final weeks of the regular season, they set a club record six goals against the Chicago Stars. Heading into the playoffs for the third time in four seasons, San Diego will need their strong offense to be a contender.

Racing Louisville is heading into their first-ever playoff appearance since joining the league in 2021 — a huge milestone for one of the NWSL’s youngest clubs. The club’s 37 points this season set a franchise record, and with USWNT standout and MVP candidate Emma Sears racking up 10 goals this season, they’ve already had some huge successes. After a tough push to clinch their spot, Louisville will be looking to crash the party and pull off a quarterfinal upset.

Gotham is entering its third straight postseason appearance, carrying an exciting mix of youth and experience. Its veteran leadership is guided by Rose Lavelle, who is regaining momentum after ankle surgery earlier this year, and Emily Sonnett, who has continued to deliver in key moments. Young stars Jaedyn Shaw, finding her place since joining the team this fall, and rookie Lilly Reale, having a standout season on defense, are bringing the energy. If star forward Esther Gonzalez can return from the hip injury that caused her to miss the team’s Decision Day match, Gotham could be poised to pull off an upset.