After a game-changing media rights deal in November of 2023, the NWSL announced an expansion of that deal, today. The original deal brought 121 national windows across CBS Sports, ESPN, Prime Video and Scripps/ION.
In the mid-cycle expansion, it builds on agreements with CBS Sports and ESPN, and adds a new partnership with Victory + through the 2026-2027 seasons.
In March, Sporting Business Journal’s Mollie Cahillane reported that the NWSL was actively shopping a fifth media package for 2026 with their
focus on Sunday nights. The league were in active talks for a commitment starting in 2026.
With the league expanding to 16 teams in 2026 with the additions of Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC, it was only a matter of time before they secured a new deal.
Now, they have landed that expansion and deal from their media partners.
Victory+ joins the league as their fifth media member, introducing 25 new weekly Sunday primetime broadcasts in 2026. They will also air 32 additional games. The matches will be available for free on the Victory+ platform.
In the expanded package, ABC and ESPN will carry weekly regular season matches, including exclusive rights to all eight ‘Decision Day’ games.
CBS will continue to be the primetime telecast of the NWSL Championship and will add more regular season matches to CBS Sports Network.
2026–2027 Match Distribution by Partner
- CBS Sports: 38 total matches (10 regular season, 1 quarterfinal, 1 semifinal and the NWSL Championship on CBS; 20 on CBS Sports Network; 5 on TBD platform)
- ESPN: 36 total matches (33 regular season including all 8 Decision Day matches, plus 2 quarterfinals and 1 semifinal)
- Victory+: 57 total matches (25 Sunday Night matches, plus 32 additional)
- Prime Video: 27 total matches (25 regular season, 1 Challenge Cup, 1 quarterfinal)
- Scripps/ION: 50 regular season Saturday night matches
- NWSL+: 40 total matches
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman
“We are expanding the discoverability and reach of NWSL matches because the demand is there. These additional media packages will help us reach new audiences and build a new generation of fandom. The expanded commitments from CBS Sports and ESPN, paired with a new national Sunday night showcase with Victory+, bolster the NWSL’s trajectory of unprecedented growth.”
Katie Boes; SVP, Content Partnerships, Victory+
“Our deal with the NWSL strengthens our commitment to making women’s sports more accessible for new and returning fans. With the addition of these NWSL games we’re building a true destination for women’s sports content, right here on Victory+. We believe that by making these games free to fans, we can help build the next generation of fandom and continue the league’s amazing growth.”
Neil Gruniger; President & CEO, APMC
“The NWSL is a driving force behind the growth in women’s sports and we couldn’t be more excited to have them join Victory+. In just over a year we’ve expanded our offering of professional live sports, and are passionate about giving athletes a way to reach more fans.”
Dan Weinberg; EVP Programming, CBS Sports
“As the longest standing broadcaster of the NWSL, we continue to be proud partners of the league, showcasing an exciting slate of regular-season matches and high-stakes playoff action across our platforms, straight through the Championship match airing in primetime on CBS and Paramount+.
Rosalyn Durant; Executive Vice President, Programming and Acquisitions, ESPN
“The NWSL showcases some of the best athletes in the world. We are proud to increase our commitment on ABC and ESPN, and to further elevate women’s sports and the athlete stories.”
