NBC has added another soccer league to its rights portfolio, and Peacock will be the primary beneficiary of that latest media rights deal.
Per a Thursday release, Peacock is partnering with the USL Super League, a new women’s soccer league, to air all 115 regular season and playoff games each season. The multi-year deal begins with the USL Super League’s inaugural 2024-25 season in August and also expands the USL’s technology partnership with NBC.
“We are thrilled to partner with NBCUniversal and Peacock to provide a world-class viewing experience for USL Super League fans across the country,” said Amanda Vandervort, USL Super League President. “NBC Sports and Peacock have raised the bar for soccer coverage in the United States, and their commitment to the USL Super League is a testament to what we are building. It 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. Our matches will be easily accessible for fans in one place, and we look forward to working with Peacock to build the Super League into a global leader both on and off the field, while also partnering with NBC Sports Next’s SportsEngine Play to reach millions of young athletes and their families.”
The USL Super League, which is launching with eight teams, was granted Division One status by U.S. Soccer in February, putting it on the same level as the NWSL (which has media rights deals with Amazon, CBS, ESPN, and Scripps). Partnering with Peacock is a smart move, as it will allow games to be promoted alongside the wildly popular Premier League and potentially draw in new fans and viewers.
In February, the USL announced a new media rights deal with ESPN on the men’s side, covering the USL Championship and League One and bringing over 400 matches annually to ESPN+. The league also inked a deal with CBS in November for 100 Championship and League One matches each season.