A Strategic Leap for Women’s Soccer
Starting in the 2026‑27 season, CBS Sports will serve as the primary U.S. broadcaster for the Barclays Women’s Super League, holding the rights through the 2029‑30 campaign. The partnership marks a significant expansion of the league’s presence in a market that has historically offered limited mainstream exposure for women’s professional soccer.
Every season, Paramount+ will stream all 183 matches live, establishing a new benchmark for coverage volume in the league’s history. In addition, CBS Sports Network will air a weekly match, with select fixtures also featured on the CBS Sports Golazo Network, ensuring a steady stream of high‑profile games for American audiences.
The Golazo Network will dedicate its flagship women’s soccer program, ATTACKING THIRD, to comprehensive coverage of the league, while CBSSports.com will provide ancillary content, including the Golazo Starting XI newsletter and the Attacking Third podcast. Social media channels under the @WGolazo handle will further amplify match highlights, behind‑the‑scenes footage, and fan engagement.
The agreement was negotiated by IMG, the international media‑rights representative for WSL Football, underscoring the role of specialist agencies in securing lucrative broadcast deals. CBS Sports’ acquisition adds to its broader portfolio of women’s soccer rights, which already includes the NWSL, the UEFA Women’s Champions League, and the Concacaf W Champions Cup.
Zarah Al‑Kudcy, Chief Revenue Officer of WSL Football, welcomed the partnership, stating that the collaboration with CBS Sports reflects a shared commitment to growing the sport’s profile in the United States. Her remarks highlighted the strategic importance of aligning with a network that can deliver both live action and rich, multi‑platform storytelling.
CBS Sports previously held the Barclays WSL rights for the 2023‑24 season, making this renewal a continuation of a relationship that has already proven valuable for both parties. The new deal not only extends the broadcast window but also deepens the integration of women’s soccer into CBS’s regular programming schedule.
Industry observers note that the arrangement could set a precedent for future investments in women’s sports, as major media companies seek to capitalize on rising audience interest and sponsorship opportunities. With the league’s expanding global footprint, the partnership is positioned to accelerate the commercial growth of the Barclays Women’s Super League in the United States and beyond.