Portland Thorns gear up for NWSL's first rivalry weekend
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Thorns captain Sam Coffey is ready to kick off the NWSL's first rivalry weekend. Photo: Steph Chambers/NWSL via Getty Images
The National Women's Soccer League is launching its first rivalry weekend, highlighted by the league's oldest inter-city feud: the shining city of Portland vs. our dim cousin to the north, Seattle.
Why it matters: Rivalries are proving to be a powerful force in growing audience and fan engagement in women's sports — just ask the WNBA.
- 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.
The Portland-Seattle rivalry has already proven to be a big draw.
- In April 2024, the Portland Thorns FC vs. Seattle Reign FC match averaged 200,000 more viewers compared to the two CBS games that pitted the teams against other opponents.
- And the bad blood between the teams is real: After their last match in Seattle, Reign forward Jordyn Huitema took to the field to stomp on a bouquet of actual roses.
- "The disrespect shown by the opposition toward our organization is at an all-time high," Thorns head coach Rob Gale told Axios. "In sport, you need to learn how to win and learn how to lose and try and do it with class."
By the numbers: Sunday's match will be the 43rd meeting of the two teams.
- Each team holds 16 wins and 10 draws.
If you go: Portland Thorns FC vs. Seattle Reign FC: 4pm Sunday, Aug. 10, at Providence Park.
- Tickets are available for as low as $33 and the match will be broadcast on CBS.