As the league celebrates its tenth anniversary, the primetime slot is a big deal
CBS Sports spoke to Portland Thorns captain Christine Sinclair and midfielder Crystal Dunn about the occasion.
The moment will see a new level of excitement for players who have competed in previous NWSL championships. Portland Thorns FC captain and Canada international Christine Sinclair played in the first-ever NWSL championship in 2013 and believes the event will generate plenty of excitement and attention on the CBS network.
“We’ve both been fortunate to have played in some pretty big games in our careers and that extra presence is exactly what women’s football needs,” said Sinclair.
“It just adds extra excitement. I was lucky enough to play in the first championship game and I don’t think anyone outside of the Portland folks knew the game was happening. So I would say it’s what this league is, it’s what we deserve as players. This, women’s sport in general, all they need is a chance. People will watch, people will come if they have the chance. In order for this game to be in prime time – on a major network – it will just happen to continue to expand the game to continue to inspire young viewers. I am a firm believer that young children need to be able to see to believe it can happen. For this game to be available in prime time is an exciting game for the future.”
United States national team player and Thorns midfielder Dunn scored the deciding goal in the semifinals to win Portland at the NWSL Championship for the fourth time. Dunn has appeared in three previous finals and has spoken about the development of the finale, which made it to prime time.
“I think it sets a new standard. This game is in prime time [TV] is unbelievable. That’s what you expect every year,” Dunn said.
“We want to celebrate that, but I think we’d be doing a huge disservice if we don’t push the standard further and drop back to a level where we were before, so I think it’s incredible… That’s exactly that.” what we wanted for women’s football at that point in time. So I think it’s great to just push forward and continue with the change and help to further develop the game [in] Primetime, it’s just going to bring more awareness back to this game.”