What is the NWSL Skills Challenge? What to know concerning the occasion that includes USWNT stars
Some of the National Women’s Soccer League’s biggest names will check their fundamentals in a showcase occasion throughout the league’s championship weekend.
United States girls’s nationwide soccer group gamers Claire Hutton, Emma Sears and Jaedyn Shaw are amongst these introduced for the 2026 NWSL Skills Challenge, the place two groups compete in three challenges testing taking pictures accuracy, ball management and ending, with $35,000 at stake.
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The occasion takes place Nov. 20 in Alexandria, Virginia, and can air Nov. 28 on CBS and Paramount+. Here is how the competitors works, who’s taking part and when to look at.
What is the NWSL Skills Challenge?
The Skills Challenge is a showcase throughout the National Women’s Soccer League’s championship festivities. Instead of a standard match, two groups of NWSL gamers compete in three expertise contests: Gauntlet, Breakaway Circuit and Precision Point.
The profitable group will break up a $35,000 prize offered by presenting sponsor CarMax.
When is the NWSL Skills Challenge?
The NWSL Skills Challenge begins at 5:30 p.m. Eastern on Friday, Nov. 20, the day earlier than the NWSL Championship, which kicks off at 8 p.m. Eastern on Saturday, Nov. 21.
Emma Sears of Racing Louisville FC warms up earlier than an NWSL match towards Bay FC on September 20, 2026, at PayPal Park in San Jose, CA. (Icon Sportswire/Icon Sportswire through Getty Images)
Where is the NWSL Skills Challenge?
The NWSL Skills Challenge will happen at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Va., a boarding faculty simply exterior the U.S. Capitol.
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How can followers watch the NWSL Skills Challenge?
CBS will broadcast the event at 2 p.m. Eastern on Saturday, Nov. 28, with streaming on Paramount+.
How does the NWSL Skills Challenge work?
NWSL stars will compete within the three soccer challenges listed beneath.
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Gauntlet: One attacking participant has 60 seconds to beat defenders and rating on a sequence of mini-goals. Each objective has a unique level worth, requiring gamers to steadiness velocity, management and goal alternative.
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Breakaway Circuit: Teams compete head-to-head in a steady relay. Each participant receives a cross, navigates a cutback course and a nutmeg gate, then makes an attempt a shot towards the opposing goalkeeper.
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Precision Point: Teams take turns taking pictures at scoring zones inside the objective. Targets have totally different level values based mostly on dimension and problem, rewarding correct placement.
Claire Hutton of Bay FC controls the ball throughout a sport between Racing Louisville FC and Bay FC at PayPal Park on September 20, 2026, in San Jose, California. (Elysia Su/ISI Photos/ISI Photos through Getty Images)
Who is taking part within the NWSL Skills Challenge?
Hutton, Sears and Shaw be a part of an introduced area that features fellow capped USWNT gamers Lo’eau LaBonta, Hal Hershfelt and Lilly Reale.
The occasion goals to incorporate a consultant from each membership that didn’t attain the championship. Additional members shall be introduced.
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Katie Atkinson, Chicago Stars FC
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Kenza Dali, San Diego Wave FC
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Hal Hershfelt, Washington Spirit
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Savvy King, Angel City, FC
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Lo’eau Labonta, Kansas City Current
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Ally Lemos, Orlando Pride
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Carson Pickett, Denver Summit FC
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Lilly Reale, Boston Legacy FC
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Reyna Reyes, Portland Thorns FC
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Emma Sears, Racing Louisville FC
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Kailen Sheridan, North Carolina Courage
Does the NWSL Skills Challenge confrontation with the Concacaf W Championship?
No, the Nov. 28 Skills Challenge broadcast is a delayed airing of the Nov. 20 occasion. Although the published airs the day after the USWNT opens the Concacaf W Championship against El Salvador, the 2 competitions do not happen on consecutive days.
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Can followers attend the NWSL Skills Challenge?
Yes, fans can attend the NWSL Skills Challenge. Tickets are on sale, and followers may have the possibility to fulfill taking part gamers after the competitors.
The occasion may even supply sign-making and face portray, with meals, drinks and merchandise obtainable for buy. The first 1,500 followers will obtain a Skills Challenge-branded coyote stuffed animal. Parking and shuttle particulars shall be introduced nearer to the occasion.
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This article initially revealed at What is the NWSL Skills Challenge? What to know about the event featuring USWNT stars.
