CBS Sports has secured a multi-year, domestic partnership with US Soccer, adding the US Open Cup matches to its portfolio of soccer rights. This deal positions CBS Sports as the exclusive English-language broadcaster for the US Open Cup through 2026.
The agreement will see CBS Sports begin airing games from this year's competition domestically at the third round stage. The first two rounds of this year’s US Open Cup are being streamed live on the US Soccer YouTube channel. From the third round onwards, where 16 seeded United Soccer League (USL) Championship clubs will enter, CBS Sports will take over broadcasting duties.
This coverage extends across both linear and digital platforms, ensuring every single game is accessible to fans nationwide. Paramount+, an over-the-top streaming service owned by Paramount, will stream all matches live.
Enhanced coverage and accessibility
In addition to broadcasting games themselves, CBS Sports' coverage will feature studio programming and ancillary content focusing on "markets and clubs in the competition." This move aims to make tournament’s exciting competition more accessible than ever before while solidifying Paramount+ as a premier destination for soccer in America.
David Wright, chief commercial officer at US Soccer, said:
“This is an incredible step forward in our service to soccer strategy and to further growing the game which highlights the longest-running and most inclusive soccer tournament in the US."
A year-round affair
This year's edition of the prestigious cup kicked off on March 18th and is set to run until October 1st when it culminates with a grand finale. Top-tier Major League Soccer clubs are expected to join at round 32 stage. Last year's broadcast was partly covered by Apple TV streaming service via MLS Season Pass function but this new arrangement promises wider reach and better accessibility for sports fans across America.
CBS Sports' acquisition of the US Open Cup rights is just one of many in its expanding portfolio. The broadcaster holds rights to a number of soccer properties outside the US Open Cup, most notably European men’s club soccer’s prestigious UEFA Champions League, with that tie-up running until 2030. It also holds rights to a number of games from the domestic National Women’s Soccer League, further cementing its position as a leading broadcaster for soccer in America.
In terms of US Soccer’s media rights activity, last month saw an agreement with Westwood One, owned by Cumulus Media. This deal positions Westwood One as the new domestic English-language audio rights partner for US Soccer.
