Washington Spirit avert scheduling crisis, keep NWSL semi-final at Audi Field; Gotham venue TBD

The Washington Spirit earned the right to host an NWSL semifinal after defeating the Portland Thorns 4-1 in the quarterfinals on Sunday, according to WTOP News. Questions about the venue first surfaced following an ESPN report indicating the Spirit might play at Northwest Stadium, the home of the Washington Commanders, if they advanced.

Washington Spirit CEO Kim Stone confirmed in a statement that the Buzzard Point venue would host the match. Stone credited stadium owner D.C. United and sponsor Lafayette Federal Credit Union with underwriting "the additional costs necessary to bring this semifinal match home." The Spirit are scheduled to host the No. 7-seeded Utah Royals on Saturday, Nov. 14, at noon.

Stone also stated, "Let's sell out Audi Field for the sixth straight playoff game." Following the quarterfinal victory, video board graphics had announced the semifinal date and time without identifying a venue. Audi Field had originally been scheduled to host the Secretaries' Cup, a Division III college football game between the United States Merchant Marine Academy and the United States Coast Guard Academy, on the exact same day.

A source familiar with the situation told WTOP that Audi Field officials made a last-minute effort to reschedule the college football game so the semifinal could remain in Washington, D.C. The source noted that the National Women's Soccer League participated in these discussions. A D.C. United spokesperson stated in a message to WTOP that they are working closely with the Academies on event-day logistics and will share updates jointly.

The Spirit have played their home matches at Audi Field since 2023 and will enter the final year of their lease agreement next season. Team officials have previously stated they are happy with the venue but want to renegotiate the deal as D.C. United explores stadium expansion and the addition of a climate-controlled roof. Team President of Business Operations Danita Johnson mentioned to WTOP in October that United maintains a good relationship with the Spirit.

Throughout the season, the Spirit averaged more than 15,000 fans per home game and announced a sellout crowd of 19,215 for Sunday's quarterfinal victory. WTOP News noted that scheduling conflicts involving women's sports have drawn increased attention in recent years, drawing comparisons to recent WNBA playoff and Finals arena availability conflicts with the NBA.