Lifetime and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) have revealed the 2017 NWSL Game of the Week on Lifetime live broadcast schedule. According to a press release, Lifetime will air 22 regular-season games, both playoff semifinals, and the NWSL Championship.
As previously reported, the NWSL recently partnered with Lifetime’s parent, A+E Networks. Beginning next month, Lifetime “will become an official sponsor and broadcast partner of the league in a three-year deal.” As part of the pact, Lifetime will air a match every weekend of the season as “the NWSL Game of the Week on Lifetime.” Games will also be available live and on-demand via the Lifetime app. Non-U.S. fans will be able to watch live via the NWSL website.
The season opener will see the Portland Thorns FC hosting the Orlando Pride on Saturday, April 15 at Providence Park. The pre-game show begins at 2:30pm EST and the kickoff is 3pm.
In addition to the schedule, Lifetime and the NWSL announced that the Game of the Week commentators include Jenn Hildreth, Aly Wagner, and Kate Markgraf. Play-by-play announcer Hildreth is a former college soccer goalkeeper and was FOX Sports’ play-by-play announcer at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. She served the same role for ESPN’s college soccer coverage and the 2016 NCAA Women’s College Cup. She also announced for the NWSL 2015 and 2016 seasons and Championship games.
Analyst Wagner is also a former soccer player. She is an Olympic gold medalist, FIFA Women’s World Cup athlete, and U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) alumna. Wagner was an analyst for FOX Sports’ 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup coverage and appeared on-air at the 2017 NWSL College Draft. She currently serves as an analyst for FOX Sports’ USWNT matches.
Analyst/sideline reporter Markgraf is set to make special appearances at the NWSL games. Also a USWNT vet, Olympic gold medalist, and FIFA World Cup winner, Markgraf became the first woman to serve as analyst for a major men’s soccer tournament to air in the U.S. during ESPN’s 2016 European Championship coverage.
For more information, visit Lifetime or NWSL’s website. The full NWSL Game of the Week on Lifetime regular-season schedule is below, courtesy of Lifetime.
