The National Women's Soccer League's scheduling of early kickoff times for the quarterfinal playoffs has drawn criticism, with a recent column in The Athletic arguing that the practice harms the game. Writer Tamerra Griffin described the recurring issue as "getting old" in a piece published November 3, 2026. The article highlights concerns about player performance, fan attendance, and broadcast visibility associated with daytime matches during the postseason.
NWSL Early Kickoff Times for Quarterfinals Criticized as Harmful to the Game
