What is the NWSL Challenge Cup?
The NWSL Challenge Cup is a month-long soccer tournament hosted in Utah, in which all nine NWSL teams will compete for the Challenge Cup. Group play to determine seeding will begin on June 27, followed by quarterfinals, semifinals, and then the final match on July 26. The tournament is presented by P&G and Secret Deodorant.
Does this tournament mean there will not be an NWSL regular season?
No. The NWSL continues to communicate with the NWSLPA and the Board of Governors to actively evaluate the opportunity to have a 2020 regular season, playoffs, and an NWSL Championship which would follow the Challenge Cup in Utah. As soon as a final decision with regard to the regular season has been made by the NWSL, we will be sure to notify you. Please continue to follow the North Carolina Courage social media channels for the most up to date news.
As a season ticket member, is there anything I need to do regarding my account with the announcement of the NWSL Challenge Cup?
No. While the NWSL and the Board of Governors continues to work with the NWSLPA to determine what adjustments are necessary to 2020 regular season schedule due to Covid-19, we are working behind the scenes to develop a variety of options and benefits for our season ticket holders that have been loyal through the delay of the season. Once the NWSL has made a final decision on the 2020 regular season, we will communicate the results, season ticket member options, and benefits.
How can I watch the Courage compete in the NWSL Challenge Cup?
The NWSL Challenge Cup will be broadcast on CBS All Access with the opening match and championship game airing on CBS. The monthly membership fee for CBS All Access, which includes on-demand access to over 12,000 episodes of CBS original programming, is $5.99/month. All NC Courage season ticket holders will be compensated with an account credit that equals the cost of a 3-month subscription to CBS All Access (please see below for further details).
How many games will each team play in the Challenge Cup?
Each team is guaranteed four games in the group play of the tournament, which will determine the top eight teams and seeding for the remainder of the tournament. Following group play, the quarterfinals, semi-finals, and final will be completed to determine the Challenge Cup winner. As such, eight teams will compete in five games, four teams in six games, and the two teams in the Challenge Cup final will compete in seven games.
As a season ticket member, will I have an opportunity to purchase tickets to the NWSL Challenge Cup?
At this time, Challenge Cup matches will be closed to fans in stadium; as such, season ticket members will not have an opportunity to purchase tickets to the NWSL Challenge Cup.
As a season ticket member, are there any benefits I receive while the NWSL continues to determine what the 2020 regular season will look like?
Yes. As a Courage season ticket member, you will receive a $20 credit on your season ticket account to compensate you for an investment in a 3-month membership to CBS All Access, which will enable you to cheer on the Courage as they compete for the Challenge Cup. This account credit can be used in the 2020 or 2021 NWSL regular season(s) for additional individual game tickets, towards a seat upgrade for a game, or as a donation to any of the groups the club works with; such as the military, children in the underserved community, Covid-19 heroes, etc. Other account benefits to reward our season ticket members for their loyalty during this extended off-season due to COVID-19 are in currently in the works. Those benefits will be released as we receive the final decision from the NWSL upon the 2020 regular-season schedule of games.
Will regular-season games be played following the NWSL Challenge Cup tournament?
The decision regarding regular-season games, and subsequent playoffs, is still under discussion. Season ticket members will be contacted as soon as more information becomes available regarding the regular season and any scheduled home games on the season.
Are fans able to attend the NWSL Challenge Cup?
As mentioned above, all games for the NWSL Challenge Cup will be closed to fans. Season ticket members and fans are able to watch the games on CBS and CBS All Access and are encouraged to follow and engage in live game contests and updates together on NC Courage social media channels. What has the club done to support the community during this time? North Carolina Football Club has engaged the community to provide support for its many partners through its #SponsorToGo campaign. In addition, our players have been engaged with several youth soccer clubs via zoom calls to keep spirits lifted, provide individual training and exercise tips, and inspire young athletes, including several of those from the North Carolina Special Olympics.
If I have any other questions, what is the best way to receive answers?
Please feel free to send an email to tickets@northcarolinafc.com and a North Carolina Football Club representative will respond within 48 hours.
How are North Carolina FC Season Ticket Members affected by the NWSL Challenge Cup?
North Carolina FC Season Ticket Members are not affected by NWSL decisions. For NCFC FAQs, click here.
