The USL just made yet another move that will pay dividends for the growth of the women’s game and support culture overall in the U.S.
This month, the United Soccer League announced that every match of the USL Super League season will be streamed on Peacock. On top of that, the announcement is part of a four-year deal that will see the partnership last until 2027.
It’s big news for the brand new women’s division one league. And it’s big news for the sport overall. Sure, there is still plenty of debate to be had over paywalls when it comes to soccer in America. But the fact that this is on Peacock and NBC is important.
The U.S. has forever struggled with the Euro-creep of international football. If you’re a new fan, chances are your first introduction to the sport will be through the Premier League or the names of its biggest clubs, men’s and women’s. It’s just the reality we have to deal with as supporters of a global game. So in this case, having the USL Super League broadcasted on the same network as the Premier League will surely drive eyeballs to the new league. Not to mention the cross-promotion (there better be!) that will happen as a result.
Shared Amanda Vandervort, USL Super League President, “[The broadcast partnership] affirms the Super League’s integral role in elevating women’s soccer and bringing more opportunities for players, coaches, and fans in the women’s game.”
There is still plenty to learn about the new USL Super League but we are excited for the season to kick off in mid-August.
So far, the NWSL has proven just how popular the sport is in some of our biggest cities. Now it’s time for USL to show why division one soccer can thrive in other major U.S. market as well.