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HARRISON, NJ – JUNE 19: A general view of the National Womens Soccer League logo on the scoreboard during the first half of the NWSL soccer game between NJ/NY Gotham FC and San Diego Wave FC on June 19, 2022 at Red Bull Arena in HArrison, NJ. Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire SOCCER: JUN 19 NWSL – San Diego Wave FC at NJ/NY Gotham FC Icon2206193129
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1012722382h.jpg)
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HARRISON, NJ – JUNE 19: A general view of the National Womens Soccer League logo on the scoreboard during the first half of the NWSL soccer game between NJ/NY Gotham FC and San Diego Wave FC on June 19, 2022 at Red Bull Arena in HArrison, NJ. Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire SOCCER: JUN 19 NWSL – San Diego Wave FC at NJ/NY Gotham FC Icon2206193129
It is an exciting new phase of development for the National Women’s Soccer League, known as the NWSL. Achieving more than expected in the current season, the league is trying to enlarge its territory with extra teams and matches. But after the announcement of a new mega broadcasting deal, will the tournament be able to make itself easily viewable in Europe?
This year marks the end of an emotional era for American soccer fans. Its very own USWNT icon Megan Rapinoe will bid adieu to her professional soccer journey by playing her final NWSL game on Saturday’s Championship game. Meanwhile, the league looks ready to create history after a record deal with media broadcasting.
Will the NWSL reach more European fans in the upcoming seasons?
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The NWSL has been a massive success in the 2023 season. The competition provided thrillers in the playoffs, with 6th-placed Gotham FC reaching the last stages of the competition. It has also seen a rising potential in numbers and fan involvement lately. After a partnership deal with four new media partners was announced, NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman asked the enthusiasts to watch out for more updates on its European telecasting. According to reports, Berman said, “You’ll have to come to a later Zoom to get the answer.”
#NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman says "you'll have to come to a later zoom to get the answer" when asked how the games can be watched in Europe in the future
— Taylor Vincent (@tayvincent6) November 9, 2023
Earlier this year, NSWL announced a partnership with Endeavor Streaming, a broadcasting company based in New York, to reach audiences outside the USA. They also partnered with international streaming distributors, DAZN and Tigo, to provide broadcasting in more than 25 countries in Europe and Central America. Both the rights in Europe and Central America were non-exclusive.
The NWSL permitted viewers around the seas to stream the matches via NWSLSoccer.com, free of charge. The year saw an increase in average attendance, with 10,432 per match, a rapid increase of 32.2 percent. Moreover, the next season will see two more teams added, which are expected to surge the viewership even more.
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The American women’s soccer league announces a mega partnership for broadcasting its matches
In addition to its streaming boom this season, NWSL has hit a blockbuster deal with ESPN, Prime Video, Scripps Sports, and CBS Sports to broadcast the league for the next four years. They reported the deal to be for $240 million. Each year, these broadcasters will cover approximately 120 matches to bring the players to your home screens. CBS Sports has already established a longstanding partnership with the NWSL.
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The league will also see a few changes in the upcoming season. Apart from two new teams, Bay FC from Northern California and the Utah Royals, the league will feature eight teams in the playoffs. Another exciting news for the fans will be the introduction of VAR. Berman also promised increased cameras and consistency going ahead. Do you think they will attract more audiences?