To lessen the impact of fixture congestion caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, NWSL clubs were permitted to roster up to 28 players (a temporary increase by two), to have the full roster available for substitutions during a game, and to make up to five substitutions in accordance with temporary rules and regulations from the International Football Association Board.

[8] In order to hold the tournament as safely as possible, all games were held behind closed doors in two stadiums near Salt Lake City, Utah.

All teams were quarantined during the entirety of the tournament in a so-called "NWSL village" with all housing provided by Dell Loy Hansen, owner of Utah Royals FC.

International players already under contract by NWSL teams but not participating in the tournament do not count towards the roster limit.

[5] OL Reign announced that United States international Megan Rapinoe had decided to opt out, while Julia Ashley and Leah Pruitt were unavailable due to long-term injuries.

[13] Sky Blue FC omitted U.S. internationals Carli Lloyd and Mallory Pugh, as well as Caprice Dydasco, all recovering from injuries.

[18] After the draw concluded, the NWSL released the full schedule of the preliminary round to be played at Zions Bank Stadium.

[19] The Orlando Pride withdrew from the tournament on June 22, 2020, after receiving multiple positive COVID-19 test results among the team's players and staff.

[25] In accordance with the broadcast deals signed by the NWSL at the start of the 2020 season,[28] both the tournament opener and final aired on CBS.