The National Women’s Soccer League just took a big step towards increasing its mainstream visibility with its new supplemental media-rights agreement. As part of the new deal, Disney’s ESPN is expanding its coverage of NWSL games for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
The deal adds 16 regular-season games per year on ABC and ESPN networks, raising the total number of NWSL matches on Walt Disney Company platforms from 17 to 33 each season. Additionally, the rights expansion launches an NWSL “Match of the Week” on ABC or ESPN. The agreement also calls for live presentation of Decision Day, when multiple matches are played simultaneously on the final day of the regular season.
“The NWSL showcases some of the best athletes in the world,” said Rosalyn Durant, Executive Vice President, Programming and Acquisitions, ESPN. “We are proud to increase our commitment on ABC and ESPN, and to further elevate women’s sports and the athlete stories.”
What’s in the New NWSL-ESPN Package
Under the supplemental rights deal, ABC and ESPN will carry 16 additional regular-season NWSL matches annually, nearly doubling the league’s regular-season footprint across Disney networks. The centerpiece is the weekly “Match of the Week” broadcast and full live coverage for Decision Day’s eight concurrent matches, a showcase format designed to create appointment viewing and drive broader interest in the league.
Jessica Berman, NWSL Commissioner, added: “We are thrilled to build on our relationship with ABC and ESPN to deliver more NWSL action to fans. 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.”
The NWSL and its media partners continue to find ways to bring more eyes to the league. The supplemental agreement comes at a pivotal moment, as the league sets attendance and viewership records in 2025. Additionally, the NWSL audience across ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2 has grown substantially year-over-year.
Throughout the season, subscribers can watch NWSL games on the ESPN app, Disney+, and other platforms. For a limited you can grab the ESPN Unlimited bundle, which includes Disney+ and Hulu at a discounted price of $29.99 for 12 months. The platform brings you live sports, including the NWSL, NFL, UFC, WWE, NBA, college football and basketball, WNBA, and many others, all in one app.
