You’re watching an NWSL stream, and then it happens again: some basic slip-up from the commentator, some basic fact gotten wrong or name mispronounced. We’ve gotten things like “Fishlocker” and “Nagasoto” and the always classic “Hore-ann” and mix-ups like rookies having full seasons suddenly added to their careers. Sometimes commentators aren’t particularly good at some of the skills that make for a smooth listening experience, like knowing when to let the game breathe or giving the right kind and level of detail on a play. Some fans just mute streams altogether.
Part of the league’s ability to market itself as a serious professional sports league is its production value.