Some of the National Women's Soccer League's biggest names will test their fundamentals in a showcase event during the league's championship weekend.
United States women's national soccer team players Claire Hutton, Emma Sears and Jaedyn Shaw are among those announced for the 2026 NWSL Skills Challenge, where two teams compete in three challenges testing shooting accuracy, ball control and finishing, with $35,000 at stake.
The event takes place Nov. 20 in Alexandria, Virginia, and will air Nov. 28 on CBS and Paramount+. Here is how the competition works, who is participating and when to watch.
What is the NWSL Skills Challenge?
The Skills Challenge is a showcase during the National Women's Soccer League's championship festivities. Instead of a traditional match, two teams of NWSL players compete in three skills contests: Gauntlet, Breakaway Circuit and Precision Point.
The winning team will split a $35,000 prize provided by presenting sponsor CarMax.
When is the NWSL Skills Challenge?
The NWSL Skills Challenge begins at 5:30 p.m. Eastern on Friday, Nov. 20, the day before the NWSL Championship, which kicks off at 8 p.m. Eastern on Saturday, Nov. 21.
Where is the NWSL Skills Challenge?
The NWSL Skills Challenge will take place at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Va., a boarding school just outside the U.S. Capitol.
How can fans watch the NWSL Skills Challenge?
CBS will broadcast the event at 2 p.m. Eastern on Saturday, Nov. 28, with streaming on Paramount+.
How does the NWSL Skills Challenge work?
NWSL stars will compete in the three soccer challenges listed below.
- Gauntlet: One attacking player has 60 seconds to beat defenders and score on a series of mini-goals. Each goal has a different point value, requiring players to balance speed, control and target choice.
- Breakaway Circuit: Teams compete head-to-head in a continuous relay. Each player receives a pass, navigates a cutback course and a nutmeg gate, then attempts a shot against the opposing goalkeeper.
- Precision Point: Teams take turns shooting at scoring zones within the goal. Targets have different point values based on size and difficulty, rewarding accurate placement.
Who is participating in the NWSL Skills Challenge?
Hutton, Sears and Shaw join an announced field that includes fellow capped USWNT players Lo'eau LaBonta, Hal Hershfelt and Lilly Reale.
The event aims to include a representative from every club that did not reach the championship. Additional participants will be announced.
- Katie Atkinson, Chicago Stars FC
- Kenza Dali, San Diego Wave FC
- Hal Hershfelt, Washington Spirit
- Claire Hutton, Bay FC
- Savvy King, Angel City, FC
- Lo'eau Labonta, Kansas City Current
- Ally Lemos, Orlando Pride
- Carson Pickett, Denver Summit FC
- Kat Rader, Houston Dash
- Lilly Reale, Boston Legacy FC
- Reyna Reyes, Portland Thorns FC
- Emma Sears, Racing Louisville FC
- Jaedyn Shaw, Gotham FC
- Kailen Sheridan, North Carolina Courage
Does the NWSL Skills Challenge conflict with the Concacaf W Championship?
No, the Nov. 28 Skills Challenge broadcast is a delayed airing of the Nov. 20 event. Although the broadcast airs the day after the USWNT opens the Concacaf W Championship against El Salvador, the two competitions don't occur on consecutive days.
Can fans attend the NWSL Skills Challenge?
Yes, fans can attend the NWSL Skills Challenge. Tickets are on sale, and fans will have the chance to meet participating players after the competition.
The event will also offer sign-making and face painting, with food, drinks and merchandise available for purchase. The first 1,500 fans will receive a Skills Challenge-branded coyote stuffed animal. Parking and shuttle details will be announced closer to the event.
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There’s more to Albany with the Times Union. Subscribe today for just 25¢.This article originally published at What is the NWSL Skills Challenge? What to know about the event featuring USWNT stars.