Tobin Heath’s potential OL Reign debut in Thorns rivalry not on national TV

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(Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

The NWSL’s greatest rivalry matchup between OL Reign and the Portland Thorns will stream Sunday on Twitch.

Adding to the intrigue of the marquee matchup, Tobin Heath may make her OL Reign debut after joining the club in June.

The USWNT star previously played with the Thorns from 2013-20 before a two-year stint in England’s Women’s Super League. During her Portland tenure, Heath helped the team to two NWSL Championships and one NWSL Shield.

OL Reign coach Laura Harvey has yet to confirm whether Heath will take the pitch for what would be a fitting debut.

“We’ll have to wait and see on Tobin. We’re still very conscious that we don’t want to push in too quickly, and we all know Portland-Seattle is a big game, so I’m not making any promises on that one either way,” Harvey told reporters.

The decision not to put the primetime game on national television has baffled fans and NWSL insiders.

A select few matches are scheduled to air on television during the NWSL regular season, with CBS airing broadcasting and CBS Sports Network carrying 11. Paramount+ will have 96 regular-season contests.

The Cascadia rivalry game will kick off at 6 p.m. ET.