ESPN Enhances NWSL Coverage Starting 2026
Starting in 2026, ESPN is set to enhance its coverage of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) as unveiled in a media rights announcement made by the league on Tuesday. For the upcoming season, ABC and ESPN will showcase a total of 36 NWSL games on a weekly basis, which will notably feature all eight Decision Day matches along with two quarterfinals and one semifinal showdown.
Increased Commitment from CBS
CBS is also ramping up its commitment, increasing the number of games in its deal to a total of 38 for next season. In addition, the NWSL has partnered with the streaming service Victory+ to air Sunday night games weekly, further diversifying how fans can engage with the league’s matches.
“The interest in NWSL matches is growing, which is why we’re enhancing visibility and accessibility,” expressed NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman in her statement. “These new media partnerships will allow us to connect with new audiences and cultivate a younger fan base.”
Promising Trajectory for the League
The newfound partnerships with ESPN and CBS Sports, coupled with the innovative Sunday primetime slot on Victory+, signify a promising trajectory for the league’s growth.
These enhanced media arrangements will be effective throughout the 2026 and 2027 NWSL seasons, building on the original rights agreements that preceded the 2024 season. In a robust approach, ESPN, CBS, Amazon Prime, and Scripps (ION) collectively entered four-year contracts valued at $240 million, which will extend to the close of the 2027 season.
League Expansion and Broadcasting Commitments
With the arrival of two new teams—Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC—next season, the league will expand to 16 teams and add an extra 32 games to its schedule.
To break down the broadcasting commitments:
- CBS Sports will air 38 matches (including 10 regular season games, one quarterfinal, one semifinal, and the NWSL Championship on CBS; alongside 20 on CBS Sports Network and five on an undisclosed platform);
- ESPN will cover 36 matches (including 33 regular season games and all eight Decision Day matches, plus two quarterfinals and one semifinal);
- Victory+ will present 57 matches (25 on Sunday nights and 32 additional matches);
- Prime Video will host 27 games (25 regular season, one Challenge Cup, and one quarterfinal);
- Scripps/ION will feature 50 Saturday night matches; and
- NWSL+ will have a total of 40 matches available for fans.
