ESPN expands NWSL coverage with new media rights deal for 2026 and 2027 seasons

The centerpiece of this expanded deal is the introduction of the "Match of the Week" series, which will highlight premier matchups throughout the season on ABC or ESPN networks. Additionally, ESPN has secured exclusive broadcast rights to all eight Decision Day matches, which are played simultaneously on the final day of the regular season to determine playoff positioning. All NWSL matches aired on ESPN platforms will be available through the ESPN App via the network's direct-to-consumer service or through pay TV authentication.

NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman expressed her excitement about ABC and NWSL's expanded coverage of the league. 

“We are thrilled to build on our relationship with ABC and ESPN to deliver more NWSL action to fans,” Berman said. “This supplemental agreement underscores the growing demand for women’s soccer and ensures our players and clubs receive the visibility they deserve on some of the most prominent sports platforms.”

This expanded agreement comes during a period of unprecedented growth for the NWSL, which has seen attendance and viewership records broken throughout the 2025 season. According to Nielsen data, the league's audience across ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2 has grown by 72 percent compared to 2024 numbers.

The expanded coverage will begin with the 2026 NWSL season when the league's regular season schedule grows from 182 total matches in 2025 to 240 in 2026 due to the addition of the two expansion franchises.