Format
The top six teams in the final standings at the end of the NWSL season qualify for the playoffs and are seeded in order of their record; the top two teams receive a first-round bye. Prior to 2021, only the top four teams qualified for the playoffs.Tiebreakers
The initial determining factor for a team's position in the standings is most points earned, with three points earned for a win, one point for a draw, and zero points for a loss. As of 2022, if at least two teams tie in point total, when determining rank and playoff qualification and seeding, the NWSL uses the following tiebreaker rules, going down the list until all teams are ranked. 1. Goal differential 2. Most total wins (Regular Season only) 3. Most goals scored (Regular Season only) 4. Head-to-head results (total points accumulated) 5. Head-to-head most goals scored 6. Least Disciplinary Points Accumulated: a. Yellow card: 1 point b. Indirect red card (as a result of two (2) yellow cards): 3 points c. Direct red card: 4 points d. Yellow card and direct red card: 5 points i. Only one of the above point totals shall be applied to a Player in a single Game. 7. Coin Flip (2 teams)/Drawing of lots (3+ teams) NOTE: If two clubs remain tied after another club with the same number of points advances during any step, the tie breaker reverts to step 1 of the two-club format.Playoff series history
2022 season
2021 season
2020 season
The NWSL canceled regular season and playoff in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.2019 season
2018 season
2017 season
2016 season
2015 season
2014 season
2013 season
Records and statistics
''Italics'' indicates a defunct team.Playoff results
Playoff records
Appearances by team
References
External links
* {{National Women's Soccer League Recurring sporting events established in 2013