March 18 – The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is going global after announcing new international media partnerships for this season. Coverage will include Europe, Asia and Latin America, providing access to live NWSL matches and highlights for over 130 countries around the world.
“The NWSL is home to an incredible roster of world-class talent, including many of the game’s top international stars,” said NWSL senior vice president of broadcast Brian Gordon.
“As the global reach of our sport continues to expand, we remain committed to making our matches more accessible, connecting fans everywhere with their favorite teams and players.”
The partners in this venture are a who’s who of broadcasters, including ESPN, which will air selected matches exclusively in Mexico, Central America, South America, Brazil, Caribbean, Netherlands and Sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, Disney+ Nordics will stream two matches per week exclusively and highlights packages.
Australian-based broadcaster Optus Sport has secured the rights to all NSWL matches and highlight packages, demonstrating the popularity of the women’s game ‘Down Under’ post-World Cup 2023.
In the United Kingdom, which boasts one of the world’s strongest leagues, TNT Sports continues its global push to be recognized as the number one provider of soccer by airing two matches per week in addition to a highlights package.
In Canada, TSN will exclusively air one match per week, with additional matches to be distributed non-exclusively on TSN+ during the regular season.
In South and Latin America, Brazilian channel Canal GOAT will have exclusive rights of up to two matches a week – as will TV Azteca and, in Asia, Dubai TV will have the same deal.
All non-exclusive matches remain available to fans tuning in outside of the United States on NWSL+. Launched at the start of the 2024 season, the free direct-to-consumer service gives fans access to live matches, as well as highlights, replays and other team content online and via streaming TV distributors Apple TV, Fire TV and Roku TV.
While no financial details have yet been released, the global reach of the league will surely attract more sponsors in its quest to become the pre-eminent women’s league in world football.
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