The NWSL announced its return to play with a fall series that will kick off Sept. 5 and run through Oct. 17.
Over the course of seven weeks there will be 18 matches, seven of them airing on CBS networks. Another four matches will stream exclusively on CBS All Access.
“Building on the success of this summer’s Challenge Cup, I am so excited to smartly and safely take this next step on the NWSL’s journey,” Commissioner Lisa Baird said in a statement.
The seven-week series will include three, three-team pods. Teams within each pod will play each other to limit travel and potential exposure to the coronavirus. The league said the full schedule and format of play will be released sometime in the next week.
Chicago will play in the Northeast pod with Sky Blue FC and the Washington Spirit.
The league established a new set of health and safety protocols that mirror the successful protocols put in place by the NWSL Medical Task Force for the Challenge Cup. One big difference though is that this series will not take place in a bubble.
Most notable of the travel guidelines are:
- For travel between markets, teams must either fly or charter two 50+ person motor coaches. Vans are not permitted for travel between markets.
- For any air travel, Personnel must maintain their assigned seats throughout the flight, unless moving to a new seat creates a greater distance between individuals. If any individual changes seats, they must report the new seat and row number to the representative.
Players and team personnel will be tested daily and undergo symptom screening. If a player or staff member does test positive facilities must close immediately and begin contact tracing.
Fan attendance will depend on each market. If teams decide to allow fans they must communicate that with the league and follow the local and state guidelines. Teams must also follow league guidelines which require clubs to submit fan management plans that ensure individuals will not sit any closer than the eighth row.
“The women of the NWSL want to compete and we’ve certainly heard from our fans all over the world looking for more action this year,” Baird said.
