Full Time: A show about women's soccer
Full Time is The Athletic’s dedicated podcast for the U.S. women’s national team, the National Women’s Soccer League, and the larger world of international women's soccer. Three times a week, join Meg Linehan, Tamerra Griffin and Jillian Sakovits as they tackle the culture, context, and conversations about the sport here in America and beyond, with help from fellow writers, guests and insiders from all corners of the game.
Episodes
U.S. women fight back in Brazil
The second United States-Brazil match had it all: eight red cards, an own goal and the Americans’ first victory in Brazil since 1997.Host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Meg Linehan to break down the play on the field and the misconduct, including the ejection of Brazil manager Arthur Elias. Then, Meg and Jill look back at the history of the rivalry and look ahead to what it might mea
Grades for the U.S. women's performance after loss to Brazil
On this episode of Full Time Review, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Meg Linehan to give the USWNT some grades on their performance in their 2-1 loss to Brazil and look forward to Tuesday’s game. Later, Jillian is joined by USWNT and San Diego Wave defender Kennedy Wesley. The duo discuss Wesley’s trip so far, coming up against her Brazilian club teammates and the Wave’s rise to
Manifesting with U.S. midfielder Croix Bethune
On this episode of Full Time Focus, host Jillian Sakovits sits down with USWNT and Kansas City Current midfielder Croix Bethune for a one-on-one interview. The duo chats about the 25-year-old’s career-shaping move away from Washington Spirit, the U.S. women's national team's trip to Brazil one year before the World Cup and her three manifestations for 2026. Plus, hear Croix's thoughts on Current h
NWSL at the break: What we're buying, selling & debating
Trinity Rodman is thriving, Sam Kerr is leaving Chelsea and possibly heading back to the NWSL — and Meg Linehan is back with a lot of questions. A third of the way through the 2026 season, Jillian and Tamerra are in the hot seat as Meg puts the league's biggest narratives to the buy or sell test. Are the Utah Royals for real? Will the Washington Spirit finally break their runners-up curse with the
Is the U.S. ready for 2 top women's professional soccer leagues?
She said she was still here — and then she proved it. Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw's dramatic contract saga ended with a record deal, a Wembley goal and a domestic double for Manchester City. Meanwhile across the Atlantic, Barbra Banda's stunning NWSL season hit a frightening pause. And in Lexington, Kentucky, a team that finished dead last a year ago lifted a championship trophy in front of a sellout cro
U.S. forward Madison Haley's journey from Dallas to Brighton
On this episode of Full Time Focus, The Athletic’s Megan Feringa sits down with Brighton forward Madison Haley for a conversation about her journey from Dallas, Texas to Brighton. They discuss Haley’s decision to play abroad instead of in the NWSL, her best-ever season with Brighton and the importance of Buc-ee’s._______________HOST: Jillian SakovitsGUEST: Madison HaleyThis podcast was produced by
U.S. women's national team welcomes back Triple Espresso
On this episode of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits is joined The Athletic’s Tamerra Griffin to break down the latest U.S women's national team roster headlined by the return of Triple Espresso: Mallory Swanson, Sophia Wilson and Trinity Rodman. The duo discusses notable omissions from the roster, including North Carolina's Ashley Sanchez, and looks forward to the team’s doubleheader against
Barcelona win 4th Champions League trophy. What's next for Alexia Putellas?
That's four trophies for Barcelona.On this episode of Full Time Review, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Laia Cervello Herrero to recap the UEFA Women’s Champions League final between FC Barcelona and OL Lyonnes. The duo dives into how the Blaugrana hoisted their fourth UWCL title in six seasons, how La Masia is helping the team and gives an update on the future of Barcelona star
Royals defender Janni Thomsen and Champions League final preview
The Utah Royals have been one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 NWSL season, and defender Janni Thomsen has been in the middle of it all.Thomsen joins host Jillian Sakovits for a conversation looking back at growing up in a small Danish town and playing on boys’ youth teams despite ridicule from other families. They also discuss how Thomsen found her way to Utah in 2025 after her partner, Norwe
Ringing the alarm bell for 6 NWSL teams
With a third of the NWSL season gone, which teams need to hit the reset (or panic) button heading into a crucial summer?On this episode of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits is joined The Athletic’s Tamerra Griffin to talk about the NWSL teams towards the bottom of the table, specifically Bay FC, Seattle Reign, Angel City, Houston Dash, Racing Louisville and the Chicago Stars. Giving out a ranking o
Mallory Swanson makes her NWSL return
It was a weekend marked by returns in the NWSL and farewells in the WSL.Host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Asli Pelit to discuss Mallory Swanson’s first appearance for the Chicago Stars since becoming a new mom and Temwa Chawinga’s continued scoring binge for the Kansas City Current. They also break down the Utah Royals’ eight-match unbeaten streak and what might explain their succe
Is Gotham FC moving to New York City?
Is Gotham FC headed to the city of bright lights?On this episode of Full Time Focus, host Jillian Sakovits sits down with The Athletic's Melanie Anzidei for a conversation about the reports that 2025 NWSL champions could move into New York City FC's Etihad Park in Queens. The duo chats about what this move could mean for Gotham's aspirations to break into the New York market, what the new stadium
The Art of a “Fine Wine” Transfer: Beth Mead, Bunny Shaw and Sam Kerr
What is the link between Beth Mead, Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw and Sam Kerr's transfers?Host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Tamerra Griffin and Melanie Anzidei to discuss the art of a "fine wine" transfer, players who have proven themselves successful and still have time left in their careers to be leaders on any team. The trio breaks down the latest on Kerr's future with Chelsea, Shaw's i
Bunny Shaw stuns and Brighton remains calm to reach Women's FA Cup final
The Women's FA Cup final is set with Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion advancing after comeback wins. Host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Megan Feringa and Charlotte Harpur who were at the semifinals. The trio breaks down what happened and what we can expect from the final at Wembley Stadium. For Manchester City, it was striker Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw who mounted the team's
Boston Legacy's Nichelle Prince and the art of betting on yourself
On this episode of Full Time Focus, host Jillian Sakovits sits down with Canadian international and Boston Legacy forward Nichelle Prince for a one-on-one interview. The duo chats about the Legacy's first win of the season, which came thanks, in part, to a goal from Prince. They also talk about her decision to "bet on" herself with her offseason move from the NWSL Shield-winning Kansas City Curren
Emma Hayes' NWSL road trip: Soccer, drums and babies
Over the last few weeks, U.S. women's national team head coach Emma Hayes has toured the NWSL, attending matches, playing the drums and holding babies. While it's not out of the ordinary for coaches to do such scouting trips, the central role Hayes is taking is certainly a different approach. With the 2027 Women's World Cup more than a year away, are these trips relationship-building, marketing-dr
A Champions League final of cinematic proportions
Gird your loins because the UEFA Women's Champions League final is set between rivals FC Barcelona and OL Lyonnes and the only word to describe it is cinematic. But how did we get here?Host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Tamerra Griffin to break down the semifinal results. Our experts on the ground also chime in. Megan Feringa is talking all things Lyon, and our resident Spanish expe
Chelsea legend Millie Bright's legacy
On this episode of Full Time Focus, host Jillian Sakovits and The Athletic's UK soccer writer Cerys Jones discuss Chelsea defender Millie Bright's retirement. Bright has been a key figure in women's soccer, especially in England, across a period of great evolution. The duo discusses the former England and Women's Super League defender's legacy and what yet another departure means for Chelsea as th
Should the NWSL flip its calendar?
Over the last few weeks, the NWSL has debated flipping its Spring to Fall season calendar and instead aligning itself with other top European leagues and the FIFA international schedule by using the Fall to Spring calendar. Ultimately, the NWSL has put the brakes on making any such decision. At least, for now.On this episode of Full Time, hosts Jillian Sakovits and Tamerra Griffin were joined by M
Sophia Wilson’s first goal as a mom & who is Jose the Coyote?
After 540 days, Sophia Wilson is back scoring in the NWSL. So, what does it mean for the former MVP to net her first goal since returning from the birth of her first child? Host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Asli Pelit to break down the top two games from the NWSL weekend. The Washington Spirit’s 4-0 win over the KC Current at a sold-out Audi Field, and the Portland Thorns’ 2-1 road
Olivia Moultrie interview: Growth with the Portland Thorns & inside her USWNT development
On this episode of Full Time Focus, host Jillian Sakovits sits down with USWNT and Portland Thorns midfielder Olivia Moultrie for a one-on-one interview. The duo chats about the 20-year-old’s open and honest relationship with Emma Hayes, which started with an email and is now all about how Moultrie can help win a fifth World Cup for the United States. Plus, hear about Moultrie’s journey from being
How Columbus won their 2028 NWSL expansion bid
The NWSL officially has its 18th team. On Tuesday, commissioner Jess Berman announced that Columbus would be joining the league in 2028. The Athletic also understands that the ownership group, Haslam Sports Group (HSG), Nationwide and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards, have paid a record $205 million in expansion fees to make that happen.So, how did Columbus win the race to be the NWSL’s 18th t
USWNT 2027 World Cup roster predictions 3.0
Another U.S. women’s national team window is in the books. Which means there are now just five FIFA international breaks remaining until Emma Hayes will name her USA squad for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. So, fresh off the USWNT’s three friendlies against Japan, the Full Time podcast gives their latest predictions on who is trending in and out of the roster. Host Jillian Sakovits is joine
Why hasn’t the host of the 2031 Women’s World Cup been confirmed?
The United States, Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica were expected to be confirmed as the hosts of the 2031 Women’s World Cup at the end of April 2026. However, FIFA has suddenly postponed plans for any imminent announcement. So, what’s the holdup?On this episode of Full Time Focus, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Henry Bushnell and Melanie Anzidei to dive into the long runway
Should the USWNT prioritize development over results?
After a 1-0 defeat to Japan, U.S. women’s national team head coach Emma Hayes confessed that she is prioritizing development over results right now. So, is that the right move for the team 14 months out from the next World Cup?On this episode of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Tamerra Griffin to unpack the lessons learned from a soggy night in Seattle, Wash., at Lumen
Have the USWNT progressed since the 2025 defeat to Japan?
The U.S. women’s national team defeated Japan 2-1 over the weekend, getting revenge for a 2025 loss by the same scoreline to the same opponent. But, is this result proof that Emma Hayes’s team has progressed?On this episode of Full Time Review, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Tamerra Griffin, who was out in San Jose, Calif., to take in the USWNT’s first of three friendlies agains
Claire Hutton interview: A future USWNT captain in waiting
So what makes the youngest-ever captain in U.S. women’s national team history so wise beyond her years?On this episode of Full Time Focus, host Jillian Sakovits sits down with USWNT and Bay FC midfielder Claire Hutton for a one-on-one interview. The duo chat about what was behind Hutton’s decision to turn pro at 17, her soccer role models, what it is like to be inside Emma Hayes’s leadership group
Why Japan friendlies are the perfect World Cup preparation for the USWNT
This April, United States Women’s National Team head coach Emma Hayes has booked three friendlies against Japan with the intention of giving her team the perfect preparation for next summer’s Women’s World Cup. So, what makes Japan the ideal opponent for the USWNT to go head-to-head with? How will the three lineups look different? And, what is it about Japan’s style of play that will help iron sha
How important is Temwa Chawinga’s return for the KC Current?
Temwa Chawinga is back. After 168 days out with an injury, the two-time NWSL MVP and Golden Boot winner made her return to the pitch with the Kansas City Current in their 2-1 comeback win over Gotham FC this past weekend.So, what does it mean for the Current and the NWSL to have Chawinga back? On this episode of the Full Time Review, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by Melanie Anzidei to discuss Ch
How Arsenal overcame chaos in Chelsea & magical Barcelona romped at Nou Camp in UWCL quarterfinals
The UEFA Women’s Champions League quarterfinals are in the books. But did the four semifinalists, Arsenal, OL Lyonnes, FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich, deserve to advance?On this episode of Full Time Focus, Producer Theo Lloyd-Hughes and Tamerra Griffin break down all four of this week’s quarterfinal second legs, with the help of The Athletic’s Cerys Jones, from Stamford Bridge in London, and Laia
What is Angel City’s ceiling? | Cat Macario’s San Diego homecoming
Undefeated with a perfect three wins from three in the NWSL, the time has come to wonder: What is Angel City’s ceiling?On this episode of Full Time, hosts Jillian Sakovits and Tamerra Griffin analyze a captivating press conference from ACFC head coach Alex Straus and what the Los Angeles team’s impressive start means for their contender status in the NWSL. Tamerra also takes the listener inside he
What it means for Denver Summit FC to smash the NWSL attendance record
It was another record-breaking weekend in the NWSL. While we’ve got used to professional women’s sports attendance records getting smashed every year, this one felt quite different.When Denver Summit FC took on the Washington Spirit Saturday afternoon, 63,004 people showed up to Empower Field at Mile High, eclipsing the record set by Bay FC season at Oracle Park by more than 22,000 fans. So,
Did Arsenal expose Chelsea’s need for a clinical finisher?
Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo were ruthless in front of goal in Arsenal's 3-1 win over Chelsea in the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarterfinal first legs. Did that performance highlight the exact sort of clinical forward play Chelsea have been missing?On this episode of Full Time Focus, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Charlotte Harpur, fresh from the Emirates Stadium in
Buying and selling NWSL early-season narratives
The 2026 NWSL season is two weeks old. The chaos is chaosing, the takes are taking, and the narratives are...well...flying. Yes, on this episode of Full Time, it’s time to figure out what we’ve learned so far, and forecast which early-season narratives the podcast panel is buying and selling.Jillian Sakovits, Tamerra Griffin and Producer Theo discuss who the best team in the NWSL is right now, is
Kelley O’Hara on red cards, NWSL Atlanta & her switch to broadcasting
Kelley O’Hara has almost everything there is to win. But which trophy in her cabinet means the most? On this episode of the Full Time Review, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by O’Hara for a one-on-one interview with the USWNT legend turned CBS Sports broadcaster. The two-time World Cup winner talks about the NWSL’s recent uptick in red cards, how she made the jump to broadcaster after hanging up h
The impossible choice for Iran’s women’s national team: Defect or return to a war zone
When five players made their decision to defect in the 24 hours following Iran’s final match of the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup, a 2-0 loss to the Philippines, they faced a near-impossible choice. Return to a war zone or leave everything behind and stay in Australia. If they remained in Australia, they had to consider the risks faced by their family back home.On this episode of the Full Time Focus, hos
Alex Scott talks Champions League and marking Marta | What it means for Cat Macario to join San Diego Wave FC?
What is it like to score the winning goal in a European final for your girlhood club, when you have been marking Marta all through the match?On this episode of the Full Time podcast, Alex Scott joins the show for a special interview to reflect on exactly that, when she conquered the continent with Arsenal in 2007, and where dreams became a reality for the Londoner. Scott is now an ESPN presenter f
Portland Thorns stun Washington Spirit, Boston Legacy’s big entrance & what does League Cup title mean for Chelsea?
The NWSL is back! To kick off the 2026 season, we saw 19 goals, two red cards and not a single tie in the first-ever 16-team and eight-match opening weekend.On this episode of Full Time Review, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by Melanie Anzidei, fresh from criss-crossing the East Coast as she covered two games in-person in less than 24 hours, and Producer Theo to unpack all the top storylines from
2026 NWSL season preview, predictions & talking points
With the start of the NWSL season upon us, Theo Lloyd-Hughes and Tamerra Griffin join Jillian Sakovits to break down the biggest storylines on and off the pitch. They analyze the entrance of two new expansion teams in Denver FC and Boston Legacy, whether we'll see a repeat performance from the 2025 shield winners, KC Current, and if this is finally the year for the Washington Spirit.They also talk
Meet the 2026 NWSL expansion teams: Boston Legacy & Denver Summit
The first-ever 16-team NWSL season is almost here. But who are these new 2026 expansion teams, Boston Legacy and Denver Summit? On this special expansion-focused episode of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits takes you inside the Legacy and the Summit, and their journeys to joining the NWSL. Hear one-on-one interviews with Legacy head coach Filipa Patão and Summit head coach Nick Cushing, breaking do
USWNT 2027 World Cup roster predictions 2.0
The 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, once a shimmering mirage, is now taking shape into something almost tangible.The Athletic made its first U.S. women’s national team roster prediction back in October 2025, and now, with six international windows to go until the tournament roster announcement, it is time to jump back into roster predictions with our 2.0 edition.On this episode of
Has Emma Hayes found her core group for the USWNT?
Emma Hayes called the U.S. women’s national team’s 1-0 win over Canada in the SheBelieves Cup on Wednesday night one of her “favorite performances” by the team. But why was the victory so impressive? Which players impressed? And do the selection decisions made by Hayes show us who the USWNT’s core group is?On this episode of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by Melanie Anzidei and Produce
What the USWNT learned from their scrappy win over Argentina
The U.S. women’s national team scrapped its way to a 2-0 win over Argentina in the opening match of the 2026 SheBelieves Cup. But what did Emma Hayes’s team learn from a match where they only generated six shots and were fouled 21 times? On this episode of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Tamerra Griffin, who was in Nashville, Tennessee, for the opening night of the She
Jameese Joseph: Trinidadian roots and legacy playing for the USWNT
Family can shape us. For U.S. women’s national team forward Jameese Joseph, the pride she feels playing soccer is the result of the hard work and dedication of her parents, who put her in a position to be great.On this episode of Full Time, Tamerra Griffin is joined by Joseph, from the USWNT’s training camp at the 2026 SheBelieves Cup, to talk about her journey from college to the Chicago Stars an
Making sense of global qualifying for the 2027 Women’s World Cup
While the U.S. women’s national team has been playing friendly after friendly, plenty of the rest of the world has already started their qualification paths to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.So, what is the state of World Cup qualifying around the world in women’s soccer? What do people need to know about the differences in how the six FIFA confederations handle their qualifiers? How ca
Getting to know three 2026 NWSL rookies
The start of the 2026 NWSL season is just three weeks away! So, now is a great time to get to know some of the new faces in the league. On this episode of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by three exciting rookies preparing for their first professional seasons. First up, highly-rated centerback Elise Evans opened up about her family connections to Stanford, stepping into Naomi Girma’s sh
Are Chelsea in crisis? | USWNT SheBelieves Cup roster reactions
After 13 years and 19 trophies, last week Chelsea parted ways with general manager Paul Green. After a wild few weeks for the Blues, it’s time to wonder if the reigning Women’s Super League Champions are in crisis?On this episode of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Cerys Jones and Megan Feringa, who last week reported on Green’s departure and what is going on inside Che
Exclusive: Claire Hutton interview on Bay FC transfer | Unpacking Croix Bethune’s shock move to KC Current
In one of the most blockbuster offseason moves in recent NWSL history, Claire Hutton and Croix Bethune both had million-dollar transfers on Wednesday. So, where do these moves leave the players, their respective clubs, and their U.S. women’s national team ambitions? On this episode of Full Time, hosts Jillian Sakovits and Tamerra Griffin react to Wednesday’s shocking double transfer, which saw Hut
Cat Macario’s future & what will the UWCL knockout rounds bring?
Cat Macario has been left off Chelsea’s squad list for the UEFA Women’s Champions League knockout rounds. So, what does this say about the future of the U.S. women’s national team forward and her Chelsea contract that will expire in the summer? On this episode of Full Time, hosts Jillian Sakovits and Tamerra Griffin break down Macario’s ongoing absence from the Chelsea squad and what it means for
Who won the winter transfer window & which top players could move in July?
The winter transfer window closed in Europe shut this week, but who won the window? And, does it really matter? Why do we obsess so much over transfers and transfer windows? Do they matter? On this episode of Full Time, hosts Jillian Sakovits and Tamerra Griffin are joined by The Athletic’s Melanie Anzidei to analyze the top transfers from the January transfer window. Who will have the biggest imp
Are Arsenal now the best women’s team in the world?
Arsenal are the inaugural winners of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, after defeating Corinthians 3-2 after extra time on Sunday. But does being crowned world inter-continental champions mean anything for the Gunners and their place in global women’s soccer?On this episode of Full Time, Producer Theo is joined by The Athletic’s Charlotte Harpur and Megan Feringa, to analyze the 2026 FIFA Women’s Ch
Crystal Dunn retires: Is she the greatest NWSL player ever?
On Thursday, we saw one of the greatest U.S. women’s national team players of all time hang up their cleats. At age 33, Crystal Dunn has decided to retire from professional soccer.So, on this episode of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Tamerra Griffin and Melanie Anzidei, as well as Claire Watkins from Just Women’s Sports, to unpack what Dunn’s legacy will be now t
Ayo Oke’s journey to a first USWNT call-up | Is the WSL title race over?
In the first of two January friendlies – the least-capped U.S women’s national team starting XI in 25 years thrashed Paraguay 6-0 at Dignity Health Sports Park.On this episode of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by Melanie Anzidei to break down what we learned from that friendly and Trinity Rodman’s first time walking out as captain of the USWNT.After that, Ayo Oke, who is out with
What Trinity Rodman's new contract means for the NWSL & global women's soccer
The Trinity Rodman contract saga is over. After two months of drama, the U.S. women’s national team forward is staying with the Washington Spirit, signing a new three-year contract to stay with the team through 2028.So, what does this record-breaking contract mean for the payer, the National Women's Soccer League and global women's soccer?On this episode of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits and The
Chris Armas on what he will bring to KC Current & NWSL | Inside Gotham's FIFA Women's Champions Cup preparations
After a record-breaking season, the Kansas City Current made a shock head coaching switch and in came Chris Armas for his first-ever job in professional women's soccer. So, who is this U.S. men's national team Hall of Famer turned MLS coach who has scored one of the biggest club jobs in the women's game? On this episode of Full Time, host Jilian Sakovits sits down for a personal one-on-one intervi
What Sam Coffey's move to Manchester City means for the WSL
Manchester City are six points clear at the top of the English Women's Super League table, but they're not stopping there. What does the blockbuster arrival of U.S. women's national team midfielder Sam Coffey, for $875k from the Portland Thorns, mean for City's title aspirations and the rest of the WSL? On this episode of Full Time, Producer Theo is joined by The Athletic's Megan Feringa and Charl
Why Lindsey Heaps signed for Denver Summit & inside Angel City's move for Emily Sams
NWSL expansion team Denver Summit got its hometown star, announcing this week that U.S. captain Lindsey Heaps is headed home this summer. So why did Heaps make the move to swap Champions League to the Centennial State?On this episode of Full Time, The Athletic's Melanie Anzidei sat down with Heaps to go inside the big signing and why the 31-year-old was sold on the Summit and the opportu
The method behind the USWNT's January roster | Phallon Tullis-Joyce on Manchester United, science and UWCL
Emma Hayes has announced her first U.S. women's national team roster of 2026 and it looks a bit different from normal. So, what's the method behind this experimental January camp?On this episode of Full Time, Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic's Melanie Anzidei to break down the USWNT's January roster and dive into what we learned from Hayes's press conference on Thursday. What young playe
Meghann Burke on why the NWSLPA opposes the High Impact Player rule
The NWSL Players' Association has opposed the league's new High Impact Player rule, but what exactly is at the root of the opposition? And, what is the timeline for a resolution? On this episode of Full Time, The Athletic's Tamerra Griffin is joined by the executive director of the NWSLPA, Meghann Burke, to talk through the union's stance and what comes next. What part of the Collective Bargaining
Navigating the NWSL's High Impact Player rule
Last week, the NWSL announced it had introduced a roster mechanism to allow teams to pay certain players up to $1 million above the current salary cap. This new rule would be known as the High Impact Player rule.But within hours of that announcement, the NWSLPA responded by saying it opposed the NWSL’s decision to move forward with the new rule without formally bargaining with the players' associa
2025 in review: England's dramatic Euros glory, WAFCON culture in Morocco & Marta's epic Copa America
2025 is almost over, so it's time to look back at a remarkable summer of international women's soccerOn this special edition of Full Time, re-live the best bits of England's triumph at Women's Euro 2025 in Switzerland, go inside what it was like to be in Morocco covering the 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, and wonder how Marta was able to produce one of the greatest final performances ever at
Holiday gifts for every NWSL team
If you could, what holiday gift would you get for every NWSL team? A gift that would take care of their biggest need ahead of the 2026 season?On this special holiday edition of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by Tamerra Griffin and Producer Theo to go shopping for every NWSL team and deliver a festive roundtable discussion, hand-picking the perfect thing for all 16 clubs. Which teams ha
Is the new Women's Champions League format a success?
The first-ever UEFA Women's Champions League Swiss-style league phase is in the books, but was the inaugural campaign in the new format a success? On this edition of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovitz is joined by The Athletic's Tamerra Griffin to analyze how the opening round of the 2025-26 UWCL played out, from looking at the teams that impressed to those that crashed out, and also whether the new
What Sophia Wilson returning to Portland means for the NWSL & USWNT
On this edition of Full Time, Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan unpack the return of Sophia Wilson to the Portland Thorns and what it means for her to exercise her record contract option for the 2026 NWSL season. Why did she choose to stay with the Thorns? What do we know about her record-breaking new deal? And, how does this contract for Wilson affect the ongoing negotiations between the NWSL and f
NWSL at a crossroads: How Trinity Rodman's next contract could usher in a new era
The NWSL is at a crossroads. As the league and the Washington Spirit hash out the ways to keep Trinity Rodman, a new era of superstar spending, salary cap rules and competition with the global market could be on the horizon.On this edition of Full Time, host Meg Linehan is joined by The Athletic's senior writers Paul Tenorio and John Hollinger to reflect on how other U.S. sports leagues have handl
Why did the NWSL reject the Washington Spirit's contract offer to Trinity Rodman?
The NWSL is at risk of losing one of its biggest superstars. But what exactly is holding back the Washington Spirit from re-signing Trinity Rodman?On Monday's edition Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic's Meg Linehan to break down the ongoing contract saga that unfolded last week. Why hasn't the NWSL accepted the Spirit's proposed offer to Rodman? Why is the NWSL players' as
2025 Top Moments, 2026 Hype List & Mailbag
On a very special episode of the Full Time podcast, hosts Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan are on the podcast together for the final time in 2025.To commemorate the occasion, Tamerra and Meg rank their Top 3 moments of 2025 while also ranking the three things they are most hyped about coming up in 2026. After that, the duo answers listeners' questions in one last mailbag to close out the season. Fr
Grading the USWNT's 2025
This week, the USWNT closed out 2025 with two shutouts against Italy. But what did we learn from the two stellar performances in those games, and how do we evaluate this year as a whole for Emma Hayes's team?On this week's Full Time Review, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic's Tamerra Griffin, who was in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Monday night to witness the USWNT's 2-0 win over Ita
Briana Scurry & Aly Wagner on how will the past shape the future of women's soccer?
For the first time, the Full Time podcast hosted a live event at the 2025 NWSL Championship in San Jose, CA, where U.S. women's national team legends Briana Scurry and Aly Wagner discussed how the past can shape the future in women's soccer.Hosted by The Athletic's Meg Linehan and Tamerra Griffin, the conversation touched on the rise and fall of the Women's United Soccer Association, off the back
Haley Carter on leadership, Lauren Holiday talks community, Temwa Chawinga chats greatness & more
It's a blockbuster episode of Full Time, loaded with special guests and legends of women's soccer.Recorded live from the San Jose Civic in the days leading up to the 2025 NWSL Championship, hosts Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan conducted four wide-ranging interviews touching on all parts of the game.Joining the Full Time pod are former Orlando Pride general manager Haley Carter, 2013 NWSL MVP and
Does Gotham's NWSL Championship final win make them a dynasty?
NJ/NY Gotham FC are the 2025 NWSL Champions. Seemingly, against all odds, the lowest-ever seeded champions just kept on showing up. And now, with two NWSL titles and a Concacaf title across three seasons, is it time to debate if this Gotham team is turning into a dynasty?On a special episode of Full Time Review, recorded at PayPal Park in San Jose, Meg Linehan, and Tamerra Griffin analyze all the
Live in San Jose with Midge Purce & Croix Bethune
Live from the San Jose Civic, it's a very special episode of the Full Time podcast building up to the 2025 NWSL Championship Final in the Bay Area.Hosts Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan take you inside NWSL Awards and Media Day, from the opening two days of events in San Jose, and then dig into commissioner Jess Berman's league address, and the ongoing debates around the salary cap and whether Trin
Gotham and Washington Spirit reach final & will Trinity Rodman stay in the NWSL?
NJ/NY Gotham FC and the Washington Spirit are heading to the NWSL Championship Final. On this week's Full Time Review, Jillian Sakovits is joined by Meg Linehan, and Melanie Anzidei to break down the weekend's dramatic NWSL semifinals. The pod discusses Jaedyn Shaw's buzzer-beater in Orlando and how the 8th-seeded Gotham continued their unlikely journey at the expense of the defending champions, t
What it means for Atlanta to be the next NWSL expansion team
The NWSL is coming to Atlanta. Following The Athletic's Asli Pelit's report on Sunday, on Tuesday, it was officially announced that the capital of Georgia will be home to the 17th NWSL team in 2028. So, on this week's Full Time Focus, host Jillian Sakovits gets into what it means for Atlanta to join the NWSL. Jill talks to Pelit about breaking the story and the business side of Atlanta's record-br
Who should win the 2025 NWSL Awards?
How do you measure Most Valuable Player? Who deserves Coach of the Year? What sort of midfielder is worthy of Midfielder of the Year?On this week's Full Time podcast, hosts Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan debate the 2025 NWSL Awards and Best XI. The duo unpacks every category, examining the league's shortlisted players, as well as what their own formulas are judging and voting. Also, they discuss
Did Gotham pull off the biggest NWSL Playoff upset ever?
For the first time in NWSL history, a No.8 defeated the top seed in the playoffs. But this wasn't just any top seed. This was a record-breaking Kansas City Current team that hadn't lost at home for 490 days. So, did NJ/NY Gotham FC pull off the biggest upset in NWSL history?On this week's Full Time Review, Jillian Sakovits is joined by Tamerra Griffin, who was in Kansas City, to break down that ex
What NWSL Playoffs and fashion mean to Mandy Freeman & Kenza Dali
The 2025 NWSL Playoffs are here, and they’re bigger than ever. And that means, on this episode of Full Time Focus, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by not one but two special guests preparing to kick off the postseason.First up, Jill talks to NWSL veteran and Gotham FC co-captain Mandy Freeman. How is Gotham preparing for another underdog playoff run on the road? What does it mean to go play the No
Everything you need to know about the 2025 NWSL Playoffs
Leaves are falling, soup season is upon us, and the NWSL Playoffs are back!On this week's Full Time podcast, hosts Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan break down the entire 2025 NWSL Playoffs, from the strengths and weaknesses of the eight teams left competing for the Championship, to how each quarterfinal is poised, and which teams will advance.Who are the key players and matchups? Will we see any up
Racing Louisville ends playoff curse & more drama from NWSL Decision Day
On a dramatic Decision Day, Racing Louisville has clinched a spot in the NWSL playoffs for the first time in team history. But how did Bev Yanez's team pull it iff on the final day of the regular season and what does it mean for the players, the coach and the fanbase? On this week's Full Time Review, Tamerra Griffin is joined by Melanie Azidei and Asli Pelit to analyze all the drama from the NWSL'
Bev Yanez on her coaching journey & Racing Louisville's date with destiny
In 2011, after the Women's Professional Soccer league folded, Bev Yanez flew to Japan to hold onto her dreams of being a soccer player. That journey changed her life and set her on the path to being the person she is today. On this week's Full Time Review, Jillian Sakovits sits down with Yanez for a special feature interview about her journey from National Women's Soccer League player to head coac
