English women's football just won a major visibility victory: CBS Sports has secured the U.S. broadcast rights to the Barclays Women's Super League through the 2029-30 season, making it the most comprehensive coverage the elite English league has ever received in America.
The deal matters because international exposure directly shapes how much funding, sponsorship, and talented players flow into professional women's sports. For the Barclays WSL, which sits atop the English football pyramid and attracts world-class athletes from across the globe, reaching American audiences means bigger revenue streams and stronger commercial partnerships. It also signals to young viewers everywhere that women's football deserves prime broadcast real estate—not late-night slots or streaming afterthoughts.
Beginning in September 2026, Paramount+ will live stream 183 matches each season, an unprecedented volume for the newly expanded competition. CBS Sports Network will broadcast one match per week, with select additional fixtures on CBS Sports Golazo Network. Beyond live action, CBS Sports is investing in storytelling through dedicated programming: the women's soccer show ATTACKING THIRD, alongside existing studio shows MORNING FOOTY, GOLAZO MATCHDAY, and SCORELINE. Coverage will also span CBSSports.com, the Golazo Starting XI newsletter, the Attacking Third podcast, and the @WGolazo social media accounts.
The record-setting deal was negotiated by IMG, WSL Football's international media rights representative. Notably, CBS Sports is returning to the Barclays WSL after previously holding U.S. rights during the 2023-24 season—a sign that both parties saw value in renewing the relationship.
Zarah Al-Kudcy, Chief Revenue Officer of WSL Football, emphasized the broader partnership: "We are excited to welcome CBS Sports back to the Barclays WSL. Their breadth of women's football rights demonstrates their commitment to the game as does their delivery of content alongside live matches. And with the likes of former Arsenal player Jen Beattie already on their talent roster, we know our league's storytelling is in good hands."
That talent roster matters. Jen Beattie, a decorated Arsenal defender with European pedigree, brings credibility and insider perspective to coverage. Her presence signals that CBS is serious about authentic, knowledgeable analysis rather than surface-level commentary.
The timing is significant for the broader women's soccer landscape. CBS Sports already holds U.S. broadcast rights to the NWSL, UEFA Women's Champions League, Concacaf W Champions Cup, Concacaf W Gold Cup, Concacaf W Championship, Concacaf W Nations League, Serie A Femminile, and select UEFA Women's World Cup Qualifiers. Adding the Barclays WSL makes CBS Sports the dominant American broadcaster of elite women's football globally—effectively creating a one-stop destination where fans can follow the best leagues and competitions on the planet.
For American viewers, the payoff is simple: unprecedented access to watch the team of Mia Earps, Sam Kerr, Bethany Mead, and other superstars competing at the highest level every week. For the Barclays WSL itself, the deal unlocks a market of 330 million people with growing passion for women's sport. As women's football continues its meteoric rise worldwide, deals like this one don't just boost one league—they elevate the entire sport.