Utah To Host 25-Game NWSL Tournament To Restart 2020 Season

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has announced that the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup will be played and hosted in Salt Lake City starting on June 27th. The tournament will consist of 25 games.

All nine NWSL clubs will train at the Zions Bank Training Center in Herriman as well as the American First Credit Union field in Sandy. Matches will be predominantly played at Zions Bank Stadium, however, the semifinals and final will be played at Rio Tinto Stadium.

The state of Utah is set to host the @NWSL Challenge Cup

🏆 https://t.co/pQb8P8RjGB pic.twitter.com/rZIyO0NvIZ

— Utah Royals FC (@UtahRoyalsFC) May 27, 2020

“With the efforts of our frontline workers, our state’s early adoption of preventative measures, and our facilities at Zions Bank Real Academy, Rio Tinto Stadium and America First Credit Union Field, Utah is uniquely prepared to host the nine teams in the NWSL and put on a tremendous tournament. With the full support of the Governor and the medical experts in our community, we are thrilled to bring the tournament to Utah,” Utah Royals FC owner Dell Loy Hansen said.

As expected, there will be no fans in attendance. Although, fans can catch all the action on CBS All Access but the tournament opener and the final will be available on national television via CBS.

“As our country begins to safely reopen and adjust to our collective new reality, and with the enthusiastic support of our players, owners, as well as our new and current commercial partners, the NWSL is thrilled to bring professional soccer back to the United States,” Lisa Baird, Commissioner of the NWSL said. “This exciting month-long tournament will showcase our league’s talented players and provide our fans the type of world-class entertainment they’ve come to expect from the NWSL.”

In a statement released by the NWSL Players Association, the league and the NWSLPA have agreed to the following —

Every NWSL player will have their 2020 contracts fully guaranteed, which includes salary, housing, and benefits. Players will also receive insurance coverage for the entire 2020 calendar year. Fortunately, the players will be allowed to bring their partners and children with them. Family members will be allowed to live with each other during the 25 game tournament.

A statement from the NWSLPA on the @NWSL 2020 Challenge Cup: pic.twitter.com/e6DpvOsSll

— NWSLPA (@nwsl_players) May 27, 2020

Tom Hackett is a Utah and Real Salt Lake Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the It’s Utah’s World Podcast (Utah Football themed) and The Lion’s Den Podcast (Real Salt Lake themed). Follow him on Twitter: @TomCantHackett.