Executive Voices: NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman and Rosalyn Durant, EVP, Programming & Acquisitions, on the New NWSL-ESPN Rights Agreement
*Editor’s Note: This is part one of the series of conversations between the commissioner and the ESPN head of content acquisitions. ESPN Front Row will publish additional content in this series as the NWSL on ESPN season progresses.
(Video produced by Spencer Jackson, Jon McLeod and Christine Calcagno)
In November, ESPN reached a multi-year media rights agreement with the National Women’s Soccer League in the U.S. and Latin America.
The deal, which includes ESPN in a comprehensive grant of rights to four media outlets, broadens the NWSL’s reach and paves the way for growth. It maximizes the distribution of the league’s matches and surrounding content through national linear and digital platforms.
During a recent visit to ESPN in Bristol, Conn., NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman and Rosalyn Durant, ESPN’s Executive Vice President for Programming and Acquisitions, engaged in a discussion about the crucial NWSL-ESPN relationship. The video above features these two leaders reflecting on their shared visions and goals for showcasing the NWSL on ESPN platforms.
“We wanted ESPN to be part of this story – this isn’t just about doing right by women’s sports; this is about doing right by sports fans who want, who need, and who come to ESPN for premier content.”
~Rosalyn Durant
For ESPN, the NWSL further cements its position as the leading destination for women’s sports, evidenced by the successes of the WNBA, women’s tennis, Women’s NCAA Basketball and more through ESPN platforms and coverage.
~Jessica Berman
Monday, @NWSL Commissioner @JessicaBerman1 joined @HannahStormESPN on @SportsCenter
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) April 1, 2024
Berman discussed the state of the league, involvement from @PatrickMahomes & @BrittanyLynne, the new @thekccurrent stadium & early attendance successes ⚽️#WePlayHere pic.twitter.com/OKMzaRCvCy
