ESPN Expands NWSL Coverage with New 2026-27 Media Rights Deal

NWSL media rights are entering a new era as ESPN and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announce a significant expansion for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. This landmark supplemental media rights agreement builds on the growing momentum behind women’s soccer in the United States, ensuring fans have unprecedented access to regular-season action.

NWSL Media Rights: More Matches on Major Networks

The new deal between the NWSL and ESPN marks a major shift in how the league will be viewed across the country. Starting in 2026, ESPN and ABC networks will each broadcast 16 additional regular-season NWSL games per year. This brings the total number of NWSL matches on ESPN platforms to 49 each season, a significant increase from the previous 33.

For fans, this means more opportunities to watch their favorite teams and players compete at the highest level. The enhanced coverage also complements existing agreements with other networks, positioning the NWSL among the most visible women’s professional sports leagues in the world.

Boosting NWSL Visibility and Growth

This expanded NWSL media rights partnership not only increases television exposure but also underlines the growing commercial and cultural significance of the league. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman expressed gratitude for ESPN’s continued commitment, emphasizing how the additional broadcasts will help drive both fan engagement and league growth.

ESPN’s Vice President of Programming & Acquisitions, Tim Bunnell, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the network’s dedication to advancing women’s sports and bringing top-tier soccer to a wider audience. With more regular-season NWSL matches available on mainstream channels, both established fans and newcomers will have greater access than ever before.

How ESPN’s NWSL Media Rights Benefit Fans and the League

NWSL media rights expansions like this play a crucial role in increasing the game’s reach. By broadcasting nearly 50 matches each season, ESPN ensures that the league’s thrilling matchups, historic rivalries, and rising stars are front and center throughout the sports calendar.

Increased visibility not only helps draw in new fans but also boosts commercial opportunities for clubs and the league as a whole. With larger national audiences, sponsors and partners are likely to see even greater value in supporting the NWSL, which in turn can fuel investment in player development, club infrastructure, and fan experiences.

What This Means for Women’s Soccer in the US

The NWSL’s enhanced partnership with ESPN comes at a pivotal time for women’s soccer in the United States. With the league continuing to break attendance records and produce world-class talent, the increased media presence is a testament to the sport’s rapid ascent.

The growing list of national broadcasters, now bolstered by additional ESPN and ABC coverage, solidifies the NWSL’s status within the broader sports landscape. It also sends a clear message about the league’s ambitions to inspire future generations of athletes and supporters.

Looking Ahead: The Future of NWSL Broadcasts

As the NWSL prepares for the 2026 and 2027 seasons, fans can look forward to more comprehensive coverage and in-depth storytelling. The ESPN media rights expansion signals continued investment in women’s sports, aligning with broader trends toward equity and inclusion in professional athletics.

For those eager to follow every pass, goal, and dramatic moment, the future is bright. To stay up to date with ongoing developments in women’s football and more, be sure to visit our homepage for more news and in-depth analysis.

Opinion: A Win for Women’s Football

This new NWSL media rights deal with ESPN is more than just about numbers—it’s a crucial step forward for visibility, investment, and respect for women’s sports. As more matches enter American living rooms, the potential for building lifelong fans and inspiring future athletes grows tremendously. The commitment from major networks like ESPN and ABC underscores how far the league has come and promises an even brighter future for women’s soccer.