The WNBA playoffs headline a packed weekend of women’s sports as the Phoenix Mercury, Las Vegas Aces, Connecticut Sun, and Chicago Sky battle it out of a spot in the WNBA Finals. NWSL action is also back in full swing, with league standings beginning to tighten.
Here’s what to keep an eye on this weekend in women’s sports:
WNBA SEMIS: CONNECTICUT SUN VS. CHICAGO SKY
Sunday, October 3rd at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN
The Connecticut Sun will have a red-hot Courtney Vandersloot to contend with in Game 3 of their semifinal playoff series. The Chicago guard became just the second player ever to record a triple-double in the WNBA playoffs in the Sky’s Game 1 double OT victory over the Sun.
WNBA SEMIS: PHOENIX MERCURY VS. LAS VEGAS ACES
Sunday, October 3rd at 3 p.m. ET on ABC
Kelsey Plum has been on a tear for the Aces, propelling Las Vegas to a Game 1 win with 25 points off the bench. In Game 3, look out for more action from Plum and the highly-anticipated matchup between Liz Cambage and Brittney Griner.
NWSL: NORTH CAROLINA COURAGE VS. WASHINGTON SPIRIT
Friday, October 1st at 7 p.m. ET on Paramount+
After a four-game winless streak, the North Carolina Courage will look to get back to their winning ways against the Spirit. Friday’s contest comes after the NWSL announced disciplinary action against the Spirit following an investigation into allegations of abuse leveled at former coach Richie Burke.
NWSL: RACING LOUISVILLE FC VS. GOTHAM FC
Friday, October 1st at 7:30 p.m. ET on Twitch
Gotham FC continues to fight their way up the NWSL standings, recently downing the Courage 3-1 in a galvanizing win. With Midge Purce back on the pitch, the team will look to build on their momentum for a late-season push.
NWSL: CHICAGO RED STARS VS. ORLANDO PRIDE
Saturday, October 2nd at 7:30 p.m. ET on Twitch
The Chicago Red Stars have not lost a game in five contests, working their way up to 4th in the league standings. The Pride sit one point shy of Chicago at 5th in the standings, with Saturday’s matchup foregrounding a potential fight for playoff inclusion.
NWSL: KANSAS CITY VS. HOUSTON DASH
Saturday, October 2nd at 8 p.m. ET on Paramount+
The Houston Dash enter their Saturday matchup against Kansas City coming off a 4-0 victory over Racing Louisville. The Dash will look to build off that momentum in a bid for a spot in the NWSL postseason.
NWSL: PORTLAND THORN FC VS. OL REIGN
Saturday, October 2nd at 10 p.m. ET on Paramount+
The Cascadia rivalry between the Thorns and OL Reign is always heated, but the stakes are even higher as this meeting could determine the No. 1 playoff seed. Portland currently sits at the top of the league standings with 38 points, while OL ranks second at 35.
FAWSL: CHELSEA VS. BRIGHTON
Saturday, October 2nd at 6:30 a.m. ET, livestream on NBC Sports app
Chelsea will take the pitch after a 6-1 rout of Manchester United. Expect superstars Fran Kirby and Sam Kerr to continue linking up in the final third for the Blues.
FAWSL: ARSENAL VS. ASTON VILLA
Sunday, October 3rd at 7:30 a.m. ET, livestream on NBC Sports app
Arsenal looks to continue their undefeated charge to the top of the FAWSL standings, with Vivianne Miedema cementing her claim as one of the most exciting players in soccer today. The new edition of Tobin Heath to the gunners makes the team an early championship favorite.
FAWSL: MANCHESTER UNITED VS. BIRMINGHAM CITY
Sunday, October 3rd at 1:45 p.m. ET, livestream on NBC Sports app
Manchester United will look to bounce back after a brutal 6-1 loss to Chelsea. At the bottom of the FAWSL table, Birmingham City has yet to record a win this regular season.
LPGA: SHOPRITE CLASSIC PRESENTED BY ACER
Friday, October 1st at 1-4 p.m. ET on Golf Channel
Saturday, October 2nd at 1-4 p.m. ET on Golf Channel
Sunday, October 3rd at 1-4 p.m. ET on Golf Channel
Golfers will descend upon Seaview Bay Course in Galloway, NJ, to play for a $1.75 million purse.
Featured Image Credit: SCOTT TAETSCH/GETTY IMAGES.
