The National Women’s Soccer League announced a landmark three-year media rights agreement with CBS and Twitch to broadcast and stream matches starting this season. CBS is beginning to get their toes wet in the soccer business again for the first time in reality since the mid-1970s when they broadcasted the old North American Soccer League (yes, they also broadcasted Game 4 of the 1985 Major Indoor Soccer League Finals). Last year, CBS snapped up the rights to the UEFA Champions League and Europa League starting in 2021-22.
Under the deal, CBS will broadcast the opening match between Washington Spirit and OL Reign on April 18th (noon CT) and the Championship game on Saturday, November 14th. CBS Sports Network will air 14 matches during the season, including both semifinals, and the remaining 71 under CBS’s control will stream on CBS All-Access. Fans can subscribe to CBS All Access for as low as $5.99/month ($9.99 to go commercial free). Subscribers can view matches on CBS.com.
Twitch will stream 24 games free of charge starting with the rematch of the NWSL Championship between the North Carolina Courage and Chicago Red Stars on April 18th at WakeMed Soccer Park (6pm CT). Twitch will stream all matches to international viewers.
“The NWSL is elated to partner with CBS Sports and Twitch, two incredible media companies with a proven track record of award-winning coverage,” said Lisa Baird, Commissioner of the NWSL. “This new media-rights agreement is a watershed moment for women’s soccer in the U.S. and around the world and is the first time NWSL matches will be available to such a wide audience. We are excited to work with CBS with its rich history, tradition and storied innovation to utilize the power of their multiple platforms to reach more fans. We also are eager to team up with Twitch to showcase the brightest stars in the sport. These partnerships will continue to amplify the NWSL and its teams on a national and international stage.”
THOUGHTS: While it does mean fans will most likely have to fork over at least $5.99/month to see their teams on CBS All Access, it is a plus for the league to have a long-term broadcast partner after the deal with Lifetime fell through in 2018.
