The NWSL season runs from April to November, with each team scheduled for 24 regular-season games (12 home and 12 road games).

At the end of the regular season, the team with the highest point total is awarded the NWSL Shield.

The six teams with the most points from the regular season qualify for the playoffs, with the top two teams receiving a first-round bye; the higher-seeded teams would host single knockout matches, with the semifinal winners advancing to the championship final played at a predetermined site.

The current competition format began in the 2021 season.

(Before 2021, the playoffs included only four teams. The number of regular-season matches had also fluctuated between 20 and 24 in past seasons).

In 2020, the league suspended the season before it started because of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Resumption of play began with the NWSL Challenge Cup, a tournament with a group stage followed by knockout rounds. Its success led the NWSL to make it an annual event.

Source: NWSL/ Soccer wire

2021 NWSL winners : https://www.pixstory.com/story/nwsl-2021-championship-washington-spirit-wins-the-title-1637951068/54843