NWSL Signs Global Streaming-RIghts, Sports Wagering Deal With IMG Arena

NYSJ Sports-Entertainment Business News Service

April 24, 2023: With the National Women’s Soccer League’s 2023 campaign off and running, the league said today it has signed a multi-year deal with IMG Arena, a sports data and technology supplier for the betting, media and professional sectors.

IMG Arena has secured the exclusive worldwide data and streaming rights for NWSL and has also been named as the league’s “official integrity partner.”

Financial terms of the alliance were not revealed.

According to the NWSL, the deal will see IMG Arena “capture and deliver data from more than 161 NWSL and UKG NWSL Challenge Cup games per season for its global network of more than 460 sportsbook operators, as well as distribute live-streaming for betting.”

London-based IMG Arena will also provide NWSL with full monitoring services to safeguard competitions and tournaments. 

“As the NWSL continues to grow on and off the field, delivering new opportunities to further engage with our teams and players is critical to unlocking our potential as an entertainment business,” Mitch Poll, NWSL chief revenue officer, said via the league.

“This new partnership is a key step in increasing the value-add of our league and we are excited to work alongside IMG Arena as we continue enhancing the fan experience for NWSL fans and sports enthusiasts alike.”

The IMG Arena streaming platform enhances NWSL’s other media alliances.

CBS Sports’ multi-platform coverage, presented by CarMax, will include all 176 NWSL matches this season.

The CBS Television Network will air six matches, including both the broadcast of the 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup Final and the 2023 Ally NWSL Championship Presented by CarMax.

Paramount+, Paramount Global’s subscription streaming service, will also stream those six matches live.

CBS Sports Network will air 23 matches across the regular season, playoffs and the Challenge Cup.

Paramount+ will exclusively stream all additional NWSL matches live in the U.S, with a select number of those matches also streaming live on the CBS Sports Golazo Network.

As part of its exclusive coverage this season, Paramount+ will stream all six matches on the final day of the regular season as part of the league’s first Decision Day. 

All 2023 regular season and Challenge Cup matches will be streamed live internationally for free on NWSLSoccer.com.

NWSL and Endeavor Streaming last month unveiled a partnership to launch a global streaming service for viewers outside of the U.S. for the 2023 season that will make matches available free of charge for fans globally on NWSLSoccer.com.

The NWSL has also signed two streaming deals with international distributors DAZN and Tigo, securing additional access to live NWSL matches for audiences across more than 25 countries around the world.

The Endeavor agreement marks the first time the NWSL has launched its own global streaming offering for viewers outside of the U.S.

The NWSL partnership builds on IMG Arena’s global portfolio of partners, including MLS, the USTA, UFC, PGA Tour, and multiple European soccer leagues via its partnership with European Leagues.

“We are delighted to be partnering with the world’s premier women’s soccer league to help grow the NWSL’s global reach and engage fans with a front-row seat to every moment of the action” Andrew Turner, IMG Arena commercial partnerships manager-Americas, said via the firm.

“With last season’s record-breaking attendance, new Utah and Bay Area franchises set to join in 2024, and a new-format Challenge Cup, the NWSL is one of the most exciting properties in global sports and a fantastic addition to our expanding US soccer portfolio.”

NWSL Deal Makes All Matches Available To Global Audience

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