NWSL and A&E Network Partner on 3-Year TV Deal
Chicago, IL - On Thursday, The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and A+E Networks announced a historic partnership. The network becomes an investor in the league with equity stake and Lifetime, will become an official sponsor and broadcast partner of the league for the next three years beginning this upcoming April.
The partnership will also allow for the creation of NWSL Media, which will allow the league to produce quality and compelling productions that will increase the leagues visibility and growth during this new deal.
"This is a transformational partnership in the evolution of the league, and we are so appreciative of Nancy Dubuc and her team at A+E Networks as they take a leadership position in the growth of our league and create opportunities for young women," NWSL Commissioner Jeff Plush said. "We are also extremely pleased to be able to present our fans with the most comprehensive national television and streaming packages in our history."
Lifetime, one of the leading women's media brands, will broadcast one game a week on Saturdays at 4pm EST. The NWSL Game of the Week on Lifetime will provide a live viewing platform to watch some of the best players in the world compete in the leagues fifth season.
"This partnership is not only tremendously significant in the continued growth of the NWSL, but representative of how far the league has come in four years and where it can go in the future," said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. "A+E and its resources are a fantastic fit for women's professional soccer and will have a major impact on continuing to raise the profile of what we feel is already the best and most competitive league in the world."
"As a former college athlete, I know the importance of sports in the lives of women and girls and I couldn't be more thrilled to join forces with NWSL and U.S. Soccer to ensure professional women athletes are elevated as the entire country can watch and be inspired by their strength and athleticism. The teams are filled with some of the best professional players in the world, and we are proud to welcome them to Lifetime," said Nancy Dubuc, President and CEO, A+E Networks.
The reaction across the league and social media was consistent. This is an absolutely amazing move by the league and props to the people at A+E for realizing the ability to promote and help growth the game, the league, and these amazing athletes who play the game.
Questions still remain about the games non-televised games, when asked Commissioner Plush said those details are still being worked out by the league and potential platforms.
