U.S. Soccer and Westwood One Reach English-Language Audio Rights Agreement
Cumulus Media's (NASDAQ: CMLS) Westwood One has secured exclusive English-language audio rights for U.S. Soccer through 2030. The multi-year partnership covers all U.S. Soccer Federation-hosted matches, including USWNT and USMNT friendlies, Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinals, and the SheBelieves Cup.
Westwood One, with over 9,800 affiliated radio stations, will distribute content through its audio network and Cumulus Podcast Network. The partnership launches with the SheBelieves Cup game featuring USWNT vs. Colombia. U.S. Soccer will also launch a new podcast series providing exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes access to national teams.
The agreement positions Westwood One Sports alongside other U.S. Soccer media rightsholders including Warner Bros. Discovery, NBCUniversal Telemundo, and Fútbol de Primera.
Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) Westwood One ha ottenuto i diritti audio esclusivi in lingua inglese per il calcio statunitense fino al 2030. La partnership pluriennale copre tutte le partite ospitate dalla Federazione calcistica statunitense, comprese le amichevoli della USWNT e della USMNT, i quarti di finale della Concacaf Nations League e la SheBelieves Cup.
Westwood One, con oltre 9.800 stazioni radio affiliate, distribuirà contenuti attraverso la sua rete audio e il Cumulus Podcast Network. La partnership inizia con la partita della SheBelieves Cup che vede in campo la USWNT contro la Colombia. Inoltre, la Federazione calcistica statunitense lancerà una nuova serie di podcast che offrirà approfondimenti esclusivi e accesso dietro le quinte alle squadre nazionali.
L'accordo posiziona Westwood One Sports accanto ad altri titolari di diritti media del calcio statunitense, tra cui Warner Bros. Discovery, NBCUniversal Telemundo e Fútbol de Primera.
Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) Westwood One ha asegurado los derechos de audio en inglés exclusivos para el fútbol estadounidense hasta 2030. La asociación de varios años cubre todos los partidos organizados por la Federación de Fútbol de EE. UU., incluidas las amistosas de la USWNT y la USMNT, los cuartos de final de la Liga de Naciones de Concacaf y la SheBelieves Cup.
Westwood One, con más de 9,800 estaciones de radio afiliadas, distribuirá contenido a través de su red de audio y el Cumulus Podcast Network. La asociación se lanza con el partido de la SheBelieves Cup que enfrenta a la USWNT contra Colombia. La Federación de Fútbol de EE. UU. también lanzará una nueva serie de pódcast que proporcionará información exclusiva y acceso entre bastidores a los equipos nacionales.
El acuerdo posiciona a Westwood One Sports junto a otros titulares de derechos de medios de fútbol de EE. UU., incluidos Warner Bros. Discovery, NBCUniversal Telemundo y Fútbol de Primera.
큐물러스 미디어 (NASDAQ: CMLS)의 웨스트우드 원은 2030년까지 미국 축구에 대한 독점 영어 오디오 권리를 확보했습니다. 이 다년 파트너십은 USWNT 및 USMNT의 친선 경기, 콘카카프 네이션스 리그 8강전, 그리고 셰빌리브스 컵을 포함하여 미국 축구 연맹이 주최하는 모든 경기를 포함합니다.
웨스트우드 원은 9,800개 이상의 제휴 라디오 방송국을 통해 콘텐츠를 배포하며, 오디오 네트워크와 큐물러스 팟캐스트 네트워크를 통해 전달됩니다. 이 파트너십은 USWNT와 콜롬비아의 경기를 포함한 셰빌리브스 컵 경기와 함께 시작됩니다. 미국 축구 연맹은 또한 국가대표팀에 대한 독점적인 통찰력과 비하인드 스토리를 제공하는 새로운 팟캐스트 시리즈를 출시할 예정입니다.
이번 계약은 웨스트우드 원 스포츠를 워너 브라더스 디스커버리, NBC유니버설 테레문도, 그리고 풋볼 드 프리메라와 같은 다른 미국 축구 미디어 권리 보유자들과 나란히 배치합니다.
Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) Westwood One a sécurisé les droits audio exclusifs en anglais pour le soccer américain jusqu'en 2030. Ce partenariat pluriannuel couvre tous les matchs organisés par la Fédération américaine de soccer, y compris les matchs amicaux de la USWNT et de la USMNT, les quarts de finale de la Ligue des nations de la Concacaf et la SheBelieves Cup.
Westwood One, avec plus de 9 800 stations de radio affiliées, distribuera du contenu via son réseau audio et le Cumulus Podcast Network. Le partenariat commence avec le match de la SheBelieves Cup entre la USWNT et la Colombie. La Fédération américaine de soccer lancera également une nouvelle série de podcasts offrant des aperçus exclusifs et un accès en coulisses aux équipes nationales.
L'accord positionne Westwood One Sports aux côtés d'autres détenteurs de droits médiatiques du soccer américain, y compris Warner Bros. Discovery, NBCUniversal Telemundo et Fútbol de Primera.
Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) Westwood One hat sich die exklusiven Audio-Rechte in englischer Sprache für den US-Fußball bis 2030 gesichert. Die mehrjährige Partnerschaft umfasst alle Spiele, die von der US-Fußballföderation ausgerichtet werden, einschließlich der Freundschaftsspiele der USWNT und USMNT, der Viertelfinals der Concacaf Nations League und des SheBelieves Cups.
Westwood One, mit über 9.800 angeschlossenen Radiosendern, wird Inhalte über sein Audio-Netzwerk und das Cumulus-Podcast-Netzwerk verteilen. Die Partnerschaft startet mit dem Spiel des SheBelieves Cups zwischen der USWNT und Kolumbien. Die US-Fußballföderation wird auch eine neue Podcast-Serie starten, die exklusive Einblicke und Behind-the-Scenes-Zugänge zu den Nationalmannschaften bietet.
Die Vereinbarung positioniert Westwood One Sports neben anderen Medienrechtsinhabern des US-Fußballs, darunter Warner Bros. Discovery, NBCUniversal Telemundo und Fútbol de Primera.
- Secured exclusive multi-year broadcasting rights through 2030
- Access to extensive distribution network of 9,800+ radio stations
- Expansion into podcast content creation and distribution
- New revenue stream through advertising opportunities
- None.
Insights
This exclusive audio rights agreement marks a strategic expansion for Cumulus Media in the growing soccer market, particularly significant given the approaching 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. The deal's value extends beyond traditional broadcast rights through several key mechanisms:
Revenue Diversification: The agreement creates multiple revenue streams through:
- Traditional radio advertising during match broadcasts
- Podcast monetization opportunities
- Cross-platform content distribution
- Potential sponsorship integration
The timing is particularly advantageous as soccer continues to gain popularity in the U.S. market. With 9,800+ affiliated radio stations, Westwood One's extensive network provides unprecedented reach for U.S. Soccer, potentially driving higher advertising rates due to the expanded audience base.
The podcast development component is especially noteworthy, as it allows Cumulus to capitalize on the rapidly growing digital audio market while creating valuable evergreen content. This positions them to capture both live event audiences and on-demand listeners, essential for maximizing revenue potential in modern media consumption patterns.
The partnership aligns with Cumulus Media's broader strategy to secure premium sports content, joining their portfolio alongside other major sports properties. This diversification helps hedge against seasonal fluctuations in advertising revenue and strengthens their market position in sports broadcasting.
Westwood One Sports to Bring U.S. Soccer to Audio Listeners Nationwide;
First Broadcast Set for 10th Annual SheBelieves Cup
CHICAGO, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- U.S. Soccer and Cumulus Media’s (NASDAQ: CMLS) Westwood One have reached an agreement for Westwood One Sports to serve as the new domestic English-language audio partner of U.S. Soccer. The multi-year exclusive partnership gives Westwood One Sports broadcast rights to all U.S. Soccer Federation-hosted matches, including all USWNT and USMNT friendlies, Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinal matches, and the SheBelieves Cup. The first broadcast will be Thursday night’s SheBelieves Cup game featuring the USWNT vs. Colombia at 8 pm ET.
With more than 9,800 affiliated radio stations, Westwood One is the largest audio network in the United States. Westwood One’s expansive reach will include Westwood One’s audio distribution network and the Cumulus Podcast Network and affiliated platforms. Westwood One Sports will be the home of U.S. Soccer podcasts on radio and other audio platforms in the U.S. through 2030.
“We want U.S. 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,” said David Wright, Chief Commercial Officer for U.S. Soccer. “Westwood One will bring our matches to life in exciting ways while meeting our fans wherever they are listening.”
"The addition of U.S. Soccer to our Westwood One Sports platform is an exciting milestone for us. Bringing both the men's and women's national team programming to our listeners enhances our commitment to delivering world-class sports coverage," said Collin Jones, President of Westwood One and EVP, Corporate Strategy and Development, Cumulus Media. "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. We look forward to amplifying the excitement of U.S. Soccer across our network for many years to come."
As part of the partnership, U.S. Soccer will be launching a new podcast series, the first of many that will bring exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes access to its senior national teams, youth national teams and extended national teams. The podcast will feature interviews from across the American soccer landscape, will focus on how U.S. Soccer is growing the game and will highlight the unprecedented lineup of upcoming events including the SheBelieves Cup, the U.S. Open Cup and the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.
Westwood One Sports joins Warner Bros. Discovery, NBCUniversal Telemundo and Fútbol de Primera, as U.S. Soccer’s domestic media rightsholders.
About Westwood One Sports
Westwood One Sports is home to some of the most exciting sports broadcasts on radio. In addition to being the exclusive network radio partner to the NFL since 1987 – featuring regular and post-season NFL football, including the playoffs and the Super Bowl – its other extensive properties include NCAA Basketball, including the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Tournaments and the Final Four®; The Masters; NCAA Football; U.S. Soccer Federation, both Men’s and Women’s National Teams, and other marquee sports events. Westwood One also distributes and represents Infinity Sports Network. On social media, join the Westwood One Sports community on Facebook at facebook.com/westwoodonesports, on Instagram at instagram.com/westwoodonesports, and Twitter at twitter.com/westwood1sports. For more information, visit www.westwoodonesports.com.
About Cumulus Media
Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) is an audio-first media company delivering premium content to over a quarter billion people every month — wherever and whenever they want it. Cumulus Media engages listeners with high-quality local programming through 400 owned-and-operated radio stations across 84 markets; delivers nationally-syndicated sports, news, talk, and entertainment programming from iconic brands including the NFL, the NCAA, the Masters, CNN, the AP, the Academy of Country Music Awards, and many other world-class partners across more than 9,800 affiliated stations through Westwood One, the largest audio network in America; and inspires listeners through the Cumulus Podcast Network, its rapidly growing network of original podcasts that are smart, entertaining and thought-provoking. Cumulus Media provides advertisers with personal connections, local impact and national reach through broadcast and on-demand digital, mobile, social, and voice-activated platforms, as well as integrated digital marketing services, powerful influencers, full-service audio solutions, industry-leading research and insights, and live event experiences. Cumulus Media is the only audio media company to provide marketers with local and national advertising performance guarantees. For more information visit www.cumulusmedia.com.
About U.S. Soccer
Founded in 1913, U.S. Soccer has been the official governing body of the sport in the United States for more than 100 years. As U.S. Soccer looks toward the future amid an unprecedented moment of opportunity, it has aligned its efforts around five strategic pillars: Grow the game by increasing youth and adult participation and accessibility to the sport; Foster best playing environments through quality of referees and coaches, and commitment to participant safety; Develop winning teams through solidified pathways and success of professional leagues; Grow the soccer economy to fuel reinvestment by increasing membership, fandom and commercial success; and Create a world-class organization through revitalized structure and culture, best-in-class talent and more. For more information, visit ussoccer.com/ourvision.
Cumulus Media/Westwood One Contact: Lisa Dollinger, Dollinger Strategic Communication, lisa@dollcomm.com and 512.633.4084
FAQ
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