• Loading stock data...
Thursday, November 21, 2024

NWSL ‘Begins Its Future’ With $240M Set Of Media Rights

  • League gains cross-platform exposure in deals with CBS, ESPN, Amazon, Scripps.
  • New agreements improve NWSL’s prior national rights revenue by a multiple of 40.
Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

The National Women’s Soccer League has completed a transformative, $240 million set of domestic media rights agreements that will provide an unprecedented level of exposure to women’s pro soccer in the U.S.

Months in development and highly anticipated by leading figures in women’s soccer, the league’s quartet of four-year deals with ESPN, CBS, Amazon, and Scripps Sports provide cross-platform coverage for the NWSL via cable/broadcast television and streaming. 

The collective annual value of $60 million, according to industry sources, beats the league’s prior national TV revenue of $1.5 million per year by a multiple of 40. The NWSL noted on X that it’s the largest media deal in women’s sports history.

The WNBA garners more than $40 million per year combined through its current deals with ESPN and Ion, plus additional money through a streaming-based deal with Amazon, but is also poised for a massive increase when its current deals expire in 2025.

“These partnerships fundamentally change the game for our league and the players,” said NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman. “This is the beginning of our future.”

Network Lineups

CBS will have a minimum of 21 games per year, including the NWSL Championship each year on both network television and Paramount+. Added to a recent deal with the USL, the NWSL agreement further establishes CBS as a major destination for soccer fans.

ESPN will carry 20 games per season, including three in the playoffs, and also use sister properties such as ABC, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ for its coverage. ESPN’s deal also includes multi-language rights in Latin America.

Amazon will carry 27 games per season, including one playoff game and a season opener, and a planned weekly showcase on Friday nights will follow a similar template to its successful “Thursday Night Football.”

“The evolution of women’s sports — and specifically the NWSL — demonstrates that there is a growing audience for remarkable athletes and world-class competition, regardless of gender,” said Marie Donoghue, Amazon vice president of U.S. sports content and partnerships.

Scripps Sports, which is rapidly becoming a major player in U.S. sports media with its focus on over-the-air coverage, will carry 50 games per year, based on 25 exclusive Saturday night doubleheaders on Ion. The company also gains the rights to the 2024 NWSL Draft. 

The media rights deals cap a banner season for the NWSL that has seen record attendance, news of expansion franchises in Boston and the Bay Area, new ownership in Chicago, and unprecedented commercial activity. The 2023 campaign ends Saturday with the high-profile championship match between OL Reign and NJ/NY Gotham FC.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Geno Auriemma

Geno Auriemma Becomes All-Time Winningest NCAA Basketball Coach

He took the record from Tara VanDerveer, who set it in January.
Rose Zhang congratulates her teammate Sahith Theegala after making his putt on the 9th green at the Grant Thornton Invitational at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.

TGL Considering Mixed Event, Women’s League Amid LPGA Talks

The new league from Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy launches in January.
Oct 16, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred before game three of the NLCS for the 2024 MLB playoffs at Citi Field.

Manfred Urges Patience on Rays Ballpark, Eyes MLB Media Shift

The commissioner also sees a new era emerging in the sport’s local media landscape.
Nov 19, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; The Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers play during the second half at TD Garden.

Cavs vs. Celtics Draws Big TV Numbers in NBA Cup Showdown

The game averaged 1.94 million viewers and peaked at 2.7 million.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Who Can Actually Afford Juan Soto?

0:00

Featured Today

Classic Football Shirts New York Pop-Up

Vintage Soccer Jerseys Have Found a Sweet Spot in the Lucrative U.S...

The money-making shirts are at the prime intersection of memorabilia and fashion.
Nov 13, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) reacts after fouling Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (not pictured) during the second half at Madison Square Garden.
opinion
November 16, 2024

NBA Ratings Rorschach Test: Buy the Dip

Was it the election? Too many threes? Lack of storylines?
November 15, 2024

Executive Decision: When Richard Nixon Named a College Football Champion

In 1969, the 37th president unilaterally named the winner of the season.
November 15, 2024

How Women’s Sports Could Change in the Next Trump Era

Under the president-elect, Title IX could change drastically.

LPGA’s Richest Season Ever Set to Crown a Record-Breaker

The current record is $4,364,994 by Lorena Ochoa in 2007.
May 5, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) celebrates with guard Darius Garland (10) after Garland hit a three point basket during the second half against the Orlando Magic in game seven of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
November 18, 2024

Undefeated Cavs Chase History in NBA Cup Showdown vs. Celtics

Cleveland is 15–0 to start the season.
Jalen Brunson (left) and Rick Brunson
November 19, 2024

Knicks Say NBA Is Out to Get Them After Latest League Probe

The team accused the league of retaliation Monday.
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 15, 2024

How Taylor Swift’s Tour Is Fueling Blue Jays Owner’s Sports Empire

There have been multiple intersections between the company’s sports assets and the pop icon’s Canadian concerts.
November 15, 2024

NFL’s Big Schedule Play: 18-Games, 16 International Matchups on the Table

The league wants to expand its regular season to 18 games, too.
November 14, 2024

Indy 500 Open for F1 Drivers After Monaco GP Date Shift

The Monaco GP will be in June starting in 2026.
November 14, 2024

2025 Ryder Cup Tickets Sell Out Despite Outcry Over $750 Price

Next year’s event will be played at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, N.Y.