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Berman defends NWSL’s failed Victory+ deal as a risk worth taking

The commissioner says the league moved quickly after the streaming partnership failed. Its replacement Roku package runs through 2027.

By TSP Staff
Jessica Berman holds a Front Office Sports microphone while speaking onstage at the Tuned In summit.
NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman at Front Office Sports’ Tuned In summit, in the photograph accompanying its October 14, 2026 report. · Credit: Nadia DeMarinis / Front Office Sports

NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman defended the league’s decision to work with Victory+ despite the streaming partnership’s failure, saying a growing league has to be willing to take risks.

Speaking at the Front Office Sports Tuned In summit on Tuesday, Berman called the outcome “definitely not ideal” but credited the league’s response, according to FOS’s October 14 report.

The NWSL moved games away from Victory+ this summer. A replacement agreement put Sunday night matches on the Roku Sports Channel, while other previously allocated matches remained on NWSL+, Sports Business Journal reported.

Roku’s announcement specifies eight Sunday night matches in the remainder of 2026 and an expanded package of 25 in 2027. The Roku Sports Channel is free through The Roku Channel, with no subscription required.

The agreement ends alongside the league’s existing media deals after the 2027 season. Those partners include CBS Sports, ESPN, Prime Video and Scripps/ION.

Fans can watch Roku’s package on supported connected televisions, mobile devices or TheRokuChannel.com. The league’s updated broadcast schedule identifies the platform carrying each match.

Sources and notes

  1. Berman’s comments were reported by Front Office Sports. Roku and Sports Business Journal provide the replacement package’s terms.