NWSL gears up for its first rivalry weekend

• Games involving Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever vs. her college rival Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky have set viewership and attendance records since the pair became professionals last season.

Case in point: In April 2024, the NWSL's oldest rivalry — Portland Thorns FC vs. Seattle Reign FC — averaged 200,000 more viewers compared to the two CBS games in which the teams played other opponents.

What they're saying: "Rivalries just add an element to [matches] that's personal, and that's what makes it so much fun," NWSL VP of marketing Michelle Haines tells Axios.

Here are the league's rivalry matches this weekend (all times in ET):

Washington Spirit vs. Gotham FC: noon Saturday, Aug. 9, on ESPN

• This mid-Atlantic matchup has heated up recently. Washington has had the edge historically, but Gotham's 3-0 win earlier this season following the Spirit's dramatic victory in the 2024 semifinals has kept the tension fresh.

Angel City FC vs. San Diego Wave FC: 10pm Saturday, Aug. 9, on ION

• These two Southern California teams share the distinction of being NWSL newbies, but Los Angeles and San Diego sports fans don't like each other. This has quickly turned into one of the league's most passionate matchups.

Portland Thorns FC vs. Seattle Reign FC: 4pm Sunday, Aug. 10, on CBS

• With 42 matches since 2013, the "Cascadia" rivalry is the NWSL's most evenly matched series with both teams holding 16 wins and 10 draws.