The 2022 season of the National Women’s Soccer League has ended. It culminated in the NWSL Championship television ratings, setting a new television ratings record. CBS Sports has revealed that the game between the Portland Thorns and the Kansas City Current averaged 915,000 viewers on CBS and Paramount+. This was a 71% increase on the previous season’s championship game.
Portland went on to beat Kansas City 2-0 for the title. It was the team’s third championship trophy since 2013. They had previously held titles in 2013 and 2017.
CBS Sports also stated that the game was the most watched women’s matchup on Paramount+ in US homes. The streaming service posted double-digit growth compared to the 2021 National Women’s Soccer League championship.
The title game, played on October 29, airs at 8 pm ET on CBS. This was the first time a National Women’s Soccer League game was nationally televised in prime time.
Sponsor steps in to help bring title game to primetime
Although it was initially scheduled for noon, Ally, a member of the National Women’s Soccer League, stepped in. The finance company increased its media investment for the championship game to help get the game into prime time.
“Like sports fans across the country, we knew it was important to create a path to prime time for this year’s NWSL championship game,” said Andrea Brimmer, director of marketing and public relations. from Ally.
“We’re increasing our media investment with CBS to help make this happen, providing the first action on our promise to watch the game, change the game.”
“This is a huge victory for the fans, the players and the league, and for all the brands that invest in women’s sports,” Brimmer continued. “We are thrilled to bring the game to even more fans this year, in the place the sport deserves.”
Ally’s move clearly paid off.
Along with impressive broadcast numbers, the National Women’s Soccer League also set attendance records this season. In all, 32,000 fans packed Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego to watch Wave FC’s game against Angel City in September.
Photo Credit: IMAGO/ZUMA Wire
