The United States Soccer Federation (US Soccer) has penned an exclusive deal with Westwood One, a radio network owned by Cumulus Media. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the sports media landscape, as it brings together two major players in their respective fields.
This multi-year exclusive partnership grants Westwood One Sports platform the rights to broadcast all matches hosted by the US Soccer Federation. This includes friendlies played by both men's (USMNT) and women's (USWNT) national teams, Concacaf Nations League quarter-final matches, and the SheBelieves Cup women's tournament.
The first broadcast under this new agreement will be Thursday night’s SheBelieves Cup game between the USWNT and Colombia on February 20th.
Expanding reach through podcasts
In addition to live match broadcasts, this deal also paves way for a new podcast series launched by US Soccer. The series aims to provide fans with exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes access to its senior, youth, and extended national teams.
David Wright, chief commercial officer for US Soccer, said:
“We want US Soccer fans to have as many avenues as possible to engage with our matches, players, and coaches, and this partnership allows them to find us on Westwood One Sports’ vast network.”
Westwood One Sports will serve as the home of these podcasts on radio and other audio platforms in the United States through 2030. This initiative is expected to further enhance fan engagement while providing an additional platform for coverage of soccer events.
Joining forces with other media giants
With this agreement, Westwood One joins Warner Bros Discovery, NBCUniversal Telemundo, and Fútbol de Primera as domestic media rightsholders for US Soccer. These partnerships reflect a concerted effort from all parties involved to promote soccer across various media platforms domestically.
Collin Jones, president of Westwood One, said:
“The addition of US Soccer to our Westwood One Sports platform is an exciting milestone for us.
“This partnership not only provides fans with unparalleled access to the action on the pitch but also creates valuable opportunities for our advertisers to connect with a passionate and engaged audience.”
These collaborations are not only beneficial for these organizations but also crucially important for sports fans who crave comprehensive coverage of their favorite sport - soccer.
This partnership between US Soccer governing body and Westwood One signifies an exciting new chapter in sports broadcasting. It promises to deliver comprehensive coverage of soccer events, exclusive insights, and a unique behind-the-scenes look at the teams. This is indeed a win-win situation for all - the organizations involved, sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike.
