• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, February 11, 2025

The NWSL Is Ready to Cash in on New Media Exposure

  • ESPN, CBS, Amazon, and Scripps Sports will air matches this season.
  • More money, and media exposure, is on the way for the women’s soccer league.
Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

The NWSL Challenge Cup on Friday night will see the defending champions, Gotham FC, host the San Diego Wave on Prime Video before the regular season begins Saturday. Amazon is one of three new media partners, including ESPN and Scripps Sports, that will pay the women’s soccer league a combined $240 million over the next four years, alongside incumbent broadcaster CBS Sports.

The groundbreaking deals are set to give the NWSL unprecedented exposure for professional women’s team sports: 72 regular-season matches will be on free over-the-air networks, and 26 will be on mass-distributed cable channels. The remainder will be streamed on Amazon and NWSL+, the league’s free, new digital platform. Here’s what it will look like:

  • ABC: Season opener / ESPN: 7 matches / ESPN2: 9 matches
  • CBS: 11 matches / CBS Sports Network: 10 matches
  • Scripps-owned Ion: 50 matches
  • Prime Video: 26 matches
  • NWSL+: 69 matches

More Than Money

Besides the huge increase in TV revenue, worth $60 million annually and beating out prior deals by a multiple of 40, the NWSL will now get four broadcasters, instead of one, promoting the league each week. Scripps is even launching weekly studio shows—another first for the NWSL—before and after matches, as well as in between Ion’s Saturday doubleheaders. And depending on how successful games on NWSL+ are, the league could look to start charging for that service or sell some of that inventory to new partners down the road.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jalyx Hunt (58) and linebacker Josh Sweat (19) tackle Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during the first half of Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome.

Super Bowl Set Viewership Record at 127.7M, Hints at Fox Streaming Future

The historic figure improves by 3% from last year’s game.

Caitlin Clark Raves About Indiana Fever’s Offseason Moves

DeWanna Bonner said she came to Indiana to “win another championship.”
Sep 22, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore looks on during warmups before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.

Saints Hire Kellen Moore, Closing NFL Coaching Carousel

Seven franchises hired a new coach this offseason.
ESPN, Top Rank Boxing

ESPN Parting Ways With Top Rank Boxing After Eight Years

The boxing business has been in a state of flux for several years.

Featured Today

Jan 9, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) checks Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) during the third period at PPG Paints Arena

‘Important’ 4 Nations Face-Off Can Be NHL’s All-Star Antidote

“The stars have been lobbying the league for an event like this.”
Brady and Mahomes
February 8, 2025

Chiefs Fatigue Is Real. It’s Nowhere Near Patriots Hate Yet

People who have covered both teams say the difference is stark.
Nov 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) celebrates with running back Saquon Barkley (26) after the Eagles defeat the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium.
February 7, 2025

How the Eagles Reinvented Championship Roster Construction

Philadelphia is one of the most innovative franchises in the NFL.
February 3, 2025

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.
Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar’s Attack on Drake Peaks With Most-Watched Super Bowl Halftime Ever

A record 133.5 million viewers tuned in for Lamar’s performance.
Rory & Mal, The Volume
February 11, 2025

Colin Cowherd’s Volume Adds Rory & Mal Podcast in Entertainment Push

It is the second new podcast The Volume has added this year.
February 11, 2025

How Did Kanye West’s Super Bowl Ad for Swastika Merch Make it..

The site was taken down Tuesday morning.
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.
February 10, 2025

Super Bowl LIX Defies Trends, Sets U.S. TV Viewership Record

The Eagles’ emphatic title win makes U.S. television history.
Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) looks to pass the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field.
February 10, 2025

NFL’s Aggressive Flex Scheduling Expected to Reshape 2025 Lineup

Next season’s schedule could include more flexible windows.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Fox Sports NFL Sunday analyst Michael Strahan (left) and Fox Sports NFL Sunday analyst Jimmie Johnson (right) react before Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome.
February 10, 2025

Jimmy Johnson Stops Short of Retirement After Fox Sports Tribute

Fox ran a tribute to Jimmy Johnson’s career during the Super Bowl pregame.
February 9, 2025

Fox Sports Debuts Controversial Score Bug for Super Bowl LIX

Reviews on social media were mostly negative as sports fans are resistant to change.