USL Super League Partners with Peacock for Historic Media Deal

In a landmark move for women’s soccer, NBC has announced a multi-year media rights agreement with the USL Super League, set to elevate the visibility and accessibility of the sport across the United States. This partnership, which begins with the league’s inaugural 2024-25 season in August, allows Peacock to broadcast all 115 regular season and playoff games each year, marking a significant advance for women’s soccer coverage.

The growing landscape of women’s soccer in the U.S.

Amanda Vandervort, President of the USL Super League, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with NBCUniversal and Peacock to provide a world-class viewing experience for USL Super League fans across the country. NBC Sports and Peacock have raised the bar for soccer coverage in the United States…”

This partnership not only promotes the USL Super League but also complements NBC’s extensive soccer portfolio, which includes the men’s Premier League. By promoting the USL matches alongside the Premier League, the USL Super League may attract a broader audience, capitalizing on the existing soccer fandom.

Founded with eight teams, the USL Super League obtained Division One status from U.S. Soccer earlier this year, putting it on par with the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), which has its own array of media rights deals with major broadcasters such as Amazon and CBS.

Enhancing Women’s Soccer Coverage

The broader implications of this partnership extend beyond mere broadcasts. Vandervort emphasized the league’s goal to enhance opportunities for players, coaches, and fans alike. The USL Super League aims to create a sustainable platform that furthers the growth of women’s soccer in the U.S. and provides visibility to aspiring players.

Engaging a new generation of soccer fans

As competitive women’s soccer continues to gain traction, the commitment from a major media outlet like NBC is seen as a vital step forward. The Super League aims to solidify its position as a leader in the women’s game, creating strong ties with the community and ensuring the matches are readily accessible to fans.

Moreover, the technology partnership with NBC positions the league to explore innovative avenues for engaging fans and young athletes, including a collaboration with NBC Sports Next’s SportsEngine. This aims to harness the intersection between sports and technology, providing young athletes and their families a more interactive experience.

The Broader Landscape of Soccer Media Rights

This deal follows a series of significant media rights agreements for soccer in the United States. In February, the USL also partnered with ESPN, enabling the broadcast of over 400 matches annually on ESPN+. Later in November, it inked a deal with CBS that involves 100 additional matches each season across the USL Championship and League One.

As women’s soccer continues to gain momentum, the USL Super League’s alignment with Peacock and NBC is a promising development for its future. The league not only stands to enhance its visibility but also to develop a solid foundation for years to come as it embarks on its journey.

Building a bright future for women’s soccer players

In a sports landscape increasingly dominated by women’s athletics, the USL Super League’s emergence provides a timely platform for creating conversations and opportunities. As we anticipate the upcoming season, the excitement surrounding this initiative is palpable.

For more information on the USL Super League and its ongoing developments, visit the USL website.