• Loading stock data...
Thursday, November 7, 2024
DEADLINE EXTENDED: The Best Employers in Sports survey is now open through Nov. 13 Learn More

NWSL Attendance Jumps 48%, CBS Viewership Up 21%

  • The league is seeing record attendance numbers halfway through its 11th season.
  • CBS’s reported three-year, $4.5 million NWSL media rights deal expires after this season.
NWSL average attendance is up 48% halfway through its 11th season.
Mandatory Credit: Michael Thomas Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports

The average attendance for the NWSL is up 48% at the halfway mark of its 2023 regular season compared to last year.

The league also announced that total viewership on CBS is up 21% year-over-year, and unique streaming viewership on Paramount is up 50%. The numbers shared by the league span its first 60 regular season games through Week 10. 

“The #NWSL isn’t having a moment…It’s the moment! Congrats to all our club leadership, players, partners and employees on these solid mid-year results,” NWSL CMO Julie Haddon tweeted. 

Opening attendance in March through the NWSL’s first six games averaged 15,002 fans, a 50% jump over last season’s opening weekend. Teams such as NJ/NY Gotham FC and the Kansas City Current have set franchise records for single-game ticket sales this season. 

The NWSL hopes its viewership jump on CBS platforms will lead to an increase in media rights fees. CBS reportedly pays the league $1.5 million annually in a three-year deal set to expire after this season. 

In March, UFC owner Endeavor signed a deal to launch a free international streaming service to stream NWSL games for fans outside of the U.S. The NWSL is set to expand next season to 14 teams, with new teams in the Bay Area and Utah, but it will also face competition from the USL Super League, set to begin play in August 2024 with teams in eight U.S. cities.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

400 People Showed Up to WTA Saudi Final With $15 Million Purse

The WTA is in the first year of a three-year agreement with Saudi Arabia.
Apr 1, 2024; Portland, OR, USA; USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) drives to the basket during the second half against UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) in the finals of the Portland Regional of the NCAA Tournament at the Moda Center.

Women’s College Basketball Begins Its Star-Studded Post–Caitlin Clark Era

Women outdrew the men in the championship with 18.9 million viewers.

Everyone Wants In on the WNBA Expansion Gold Rush

There are 10 to 12 cities interested in a WNBA expansion team.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Is Trump Recruiting Sports Figures for Future Cabinet?

0:00

Featured Today

NFL Center Connor McGovern Is the Heir to a Potato Empire

The NFL vet’s family provides potatoes for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and others.
Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion
November 2, 2024

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.
Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump waves flanked by former Georgia Bulldogs player Herschel Walker, recording art Kid Rock, professional golfer John Daily, Alabama senators Tommy Tuberville (R) and Katie Britt (R) during the second half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
November 1, 2024

Mission Swing State: College Football’s Political Advertising Battle

Trump, Harris, and the PACs that support them are utilizing the sport.
October 31, 2024

The Untapped Revenue ‘Powder Keg’ of Women’s NFL Fandom

There’s a “boatload” of money at stake for brands and the league.
May 19, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of the chain and jersey of Atlanta Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia (11) against the San Diego Padres in the seventh inning at Truist Park.

Braves Report Strong Quarter, but Still Face Media Uncertainty

Revenue rises for the high-performing MLB club as it awaits the outcome of Diamond Sports Group’s bankruptcy.
November 5, 2024

2024 NFL Trade Deadline More Active Than 2023

Several big-name players found new homes.
November 6, 2024

McIlroy: Trump Could Help PGA Tour–LIV Golf Deal Discussions

The star golfer said Tuesday’s election results may benefit the fractured sport.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
November 5, 2024

2024 NFL Trade Deadline Live Updates: Lattimore Bolsters Commanders Defense

The 2024 NFL Trade Deadline is at 4:00. Which teams have added talent and salary?
Sep 1, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan addresses the gallery gathered on the 18th green after the final round of the TOUR Championship golf tournament.
November 5, 2024

Not So Fast: PGA Tour–LIV Merger Not Done Yet

Multiple industry sources say reports of professional golf’s unification are premature.
November 5, 2024

Trump Says Leagues Set ‘Impossible’ Ticket Prices

The former president believes leagues are pricing out middle-class sports fans with high ticket prices.
Oct 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) reacts after a play during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game five of the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium.
November 4, 2024

Gerrit Cole Reverses Opt Out, Stays With Yankees. What’s Next?

Discussions will now start on a potential contract extension to finish his career in New York.