Where to Watch Gotham FC v Seattle Reign: ABC and ESPN Unlimited Commentary Team Revealed
Match date:
Where to Watch Gotham FC v Seattle Reign: ABC and ESPN Unlimited Commentary Team Revealed
UK fans can watch the National Women's Soccer League clash between Gotham FC and Seattle Reign exclusively in the United States, as the match is not broadcast on British terrestrial channels like ITV, BBC, Sky, or TNT. The game takes place on Saturday, 18 July 2026, kicking off at 17:00 UK time. Viewers in the US must tune in via ABC or stream the contest through ESPN Unlimited[2].
The broadcast will be led by the experienced voice of the league, Jenn Hildreth, who serves as the main play-by-play commentator, alongside former England national team forward Lianne Sanderson as the co-commentator and match analyst[2]. This pairing is a staple of ESPN's NWSL coverage, having worked together extensively since Hildreth became the lead English-language commentator for the league's 2024 season[2].
Meet the Commentary Team
Jenn Hildreth is an Emmy Award-winning sports broadcaster with over two decades of experience across play-by-play commentary, studio hosting, and reporting[1]. She is best known to soccer fans as the primary play-by-play announcer for English-language broadcasts of the FIFA Women's World Cup, the NWSL, and Major League Soccer in the United States[2]. Hildreth made history by calling the first NWSL game on broadcast television during the league's Challenge Cup, which was aired on CBS[8]. Her signature first-half kickoff catchphrase, "Let's love the game!", reflects her Latin American-inspired broadcasting style that has become iconic in US women's soccer coverage[2]. Beyond her broadcasting duties, Hildreth is a published author; she co-authored the book Tough as a Mother, which explores the shared traits of empowered women in sports and working mothers[5]. Her resume also includes call duties for the Olympic Games, having covered soccer at both Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024[7].
Joining Hildreth is Lianne Sanderson, a highly decorated former footballer who represented the England national team as a forward[2]. Sanderson transitioned seamlessly from the pitch to the commentary box, where she is now a regular match analyst for ESPN's NWSL coverage, providing expert tactical insight alongside Hildreth[2]. She has built a strong reputation as one of the most knowledgeable analysts in the league, often working alongside Hildreth on major broadcasts including the UEFA Women's Euro 2022[6]. Their duo has commentated on several NWSL games together, forming a consistent and trusted voice for American viewers[6].
Match Context and Viewing Options
This fixture is a key midweek encounter in the 2026 NWSL season, featuring Gotham FC (formerly known as Sky Blue FC) against Seattle Reign. For US fans, the match is available on the television channel ABC or via the streaming service ESPN Unlimited[2]. All ESPN NWSL matches are also accessible through the ESPN App, ensuring fans can follow the action on mobile devices or tablets[10].
While the match is not currently scheduled for UK television, British supporters can follow live updates through the official league website or international sports news outlets. For those interested in the broader context of women's football broadcasting rights in the UK and US, the official NWSL website provides comprehensive coverage details and team information. The absence of a UK broadcast highlights the growing disparity in international coverage, with the US market granting the NWSL prime-time slots on major networks like ABC and ESPN.
As the 17:00 UK kick-off approaches, fans in the US will rely on Hildreth's energetic delivery and Sanderson's tactical analysis to bring the intensity of the Gotham FC versus Seattle Reign battle to life. With Hildreth's history of covering World Cups and Olympads, and Sanderson's elite playing pedigree, this commentary team offers a premium viewing experience for supporters of women's football in America.
Article generated: 18 July 2026, 17:01 GMT