CBS Sports secures four-year WSL broadcast deal for US
The Story
CBS Sports has signed a four-year deal to broadcast the Women’s Super League in the United States starting next season through the end of the 2029-30 campaign. Paramount+ will stream 183 matches per season, with one live match per week on CBS Sports Network and select matches on CBS Sports Golazo Network. The agreement is reported to represent a major valuation uplift for the WSL, though the exact financial terms were not disclosed.
Key Facts
- CBS Sports acquired the WSL US broadcast rights for four years, from the next season until the end of 2029-30.
- Paramount+ will air 183 WSL matches per season; CBS Sports Network will show one live match per week; select matches will also air on CBS Sports Golazo Network.
- The deal represents a significant increase in valuation, possibly a fourfold increase over previous seasons; the exact valuation has not been disclosed.
- The contract was negotiated by IMG, the WSL Football’s international media rights representative.
- ESPN was the previous US rights holder for the past two campaigns.
- CBS Sports’ women’s football rights portfolio also includes the NWSL, Women’s Champions League, and Serie A women’s league; the network previously held WSL rights during the 2023-24 season.
- Zarah Al-Kudcy, WSL Football’s chief revenue officer, said in a statement: “We are excited to welcome CBS Sports back to the Barclays WSL.”
- Three WSL-based players were named to Emma Hayes’s latest US women’s national team roster on Wednesday: Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United), Emily Fox (Arsenal), and Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea). Sam Coffey and Naomi Girma missed out through injury. Other American players in England include Madison Haley (Brighton & Hove Albion).
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified in the source article.
Still Unclear
The exact valuation and financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.
Key Figures
- Zarah Al-Kudcy – WSL Football’s chief revenue officer
- Phallon Tullis-Joyce – Manchester United player named to USWNT roster
- Emily Fox – Arsenal player named to USWNT roster
- Alyssa Thompson – Chelsea player named to USWNT roster
- Sam Coffey – Manchester City player (missed out due to injury)
- Naomi Girma – Chelsea defender (missed out due to injury)
- Madison Haley – Brighton & Hove Albion player
Sources: The Guardian
