NWSL to Receive Their First-Ever Weekly Studio Show: A Comprehensive Look at Broadcast Teams, Partnerships, Schedule, and More

The countdown for the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League has begun. It’s just a matter of time and all 14 teams will be contesting in the year-long domestic tournament. Each passing day brings forth notable developments. The NWSL is set to have its first-ever weekly studio show! With a track record of landing a $240 million deal in television rights and being the 1st women’s team to have its own stadium, it is constantly pushing boundaries, expanding its worldwide impact. Let’s dive deeper into the nitty-gritty of this highly anticipated weekly show.

Everything you need to know about the NWSL weekly studio show 

“We made a commitment to the NWSL, the teams, players and fans.” These words from Quinn Pacini, Vice President of Broadcast Operations for Scripps Sports, prove that this new beginning is set to make things even more interesting. Scripps Sports is among the 4 partners alongside CBS, ESPN, and Prime Video to secure the media rights deal to televise NWSL games. In addition to the Saturday night doubleheaders on ION, SS will premiere the weekly NWSL on ION Studio Shows on March 16, when the Utah Royals face the Chicago Red Stars at 7:30 p.m. ET. The pre-match show will begin at 7 p.m., with doubleheaders starting the following week, on March 23. 

These broadcasts will include 30-minute pre-match segments that examine previous match highlights, preview upcoming ION matchups, and feature in-depth stories from across the league. In addition, halftime presentations will feature match recaps and insights from the studio host and commentators. Notably, these studio shows are the first time any network has provided devoted weekly coverage to the NWSL.

Scripps Sports has disclosed branding for its NWSL on ION programming in partnership with design agency Drive Studio. Promotional assets were developed with Gameday Creative and STN Digital for television, social, digital, and paid media.

Which names will feature on the weekly show? 

“We’ve assembled a first-class team of soccer minds, voices, and experts to showcase our Saturday night NWSL franchise. It’s a deep, talented, versatile group that will entertain and inform fans all season,” said Quinn Pacini. That said, let’s introduce you to the team: Nicole Denne, a seasoned producer and former Division I college soccer player, will lead the show.

Lisa Carlin from CBS Attacking Third will serve as the host for the ION Studio Shows, which will be broadcast from Atlanta. Joining as analysts will be Darian Jenkins and Jessica McDonald. Additionally, Scripps Sports and the NWSL are collaborating to co-produce matches with two distinctive match broadcast teams. 

Team 1: 

• JP Dellacamera, play-by-play
• Jill Loyden, analyst
• Tom Piero, producer
• Gage Tilotsen, director

Team 2: 

• Maura Sheridan, play-by-play
• Jordan Angeli, analyst
• Mackenzie Pearce, producer 
• Art Izquierdo, director

READ MORE: Top 5 Most Expensive Transfers in NWSL History Following Barbra Banda’s Near-Record Move to Orlando Pride

What is the schedule for the NWSL weekly show? 

Scripps Sports, owned by E.W. Scripps, will broadcast 50 out of the 118 matches scheduled to appear on national television platforms throughout the season—more than any other partner. It is worth noting that there will be no studio show scheduled between matches. Here is the list:

With this groundbreaking weekly studio show, fans can expect unique NWSL coverage and insight, boosting their viewing experience. Furthermore, the establishment of this program demonstrates stakeholders’ consistent commitment to elevating and promoting women’s soccer.

All details from this news piece were referenced from PR Newswire.

READ MORE: Which NWSL Fixtures Will Be Shown Live on Prime Video, as Per League’s $240M Media Rights Deal?