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The National Women’s Soccer League has announced the new broadcast schedule for the upcoming 2021 season.
After a successful 2020 run, the league partnered with CBS Television Network again to continue the growth of viewership nationwide. Both sides agreed to a multiyear broadcast deal that will televise most important NWSL matches.
The CBS Television Network is set to air three regular-season games and the coveted 2021 NWSL Championship, while CBS Sports Network will cover 11 matches and three playoff contests.
Paramount+ will stream the entire 82-game season to subscribed viewers.
Coverage begins on CBS Sports Network with the season opener on May 15 featuring the regular-season debut of Kansas City NWSL and Racing Louisville FC. CBS Television Network will then televise back-to-back week five matchups that see North Carolina Courage facing OL Reign and Portland Thorns FC confronting KC NWSL.
The network’s broadcast of the NWSL Championship will begin on November 20. CBS is available to over 98 million homes, with 44 million additional subscribers. Since 2009, the channel boasts a 65% growth increase.
NWSL Commissioner Lisa Baird recognized the impact of the network’s exponential increase when expressing his excitement over the partnership.
“We’re so excited to once again partner with our friends at CBS Sports to bring the best women’s soccer league in the world to our fans. These partnerships will continue to amplify the NWSL and its teams on a national and international stage,” said Baird.
The broadcast announcement also comes off the wave of recent investor announcements. Over the last few weeks, professional athletes across leagues have expressed interest in financing several teams in the NWSL.
Alex Ovechkin, captain of the Washington Capitals, signed on as an integral part of the Washington Spirit, while Mia Hamm, Serena Williams and Natalie Portman stand as the group behind a new Los Angeles expansion team.
The full schedule can be found here.