Rights to EFL coverage in the US were previously held by ESPN (credit Ian Randall Photography)
Paramount Global-owned CBS Sports has sealed an exclusive four-year, multi-platform rights deal to air English Football League (EFL) matches in the US.
The New York-based sports division of broadcaster CBS will screen at least 250 EFL matches each season across the Championship, League One, League Two, Carabao Cup and Bristol Street Motors Trophy.
US soccer fans will be able to see fixtures on streamer Paramount+, with select games carried on CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo.
CBS takes over coverage of the EFL in the US from the previous rights holder, ESPN. Relevent Sports negotiated the sale of the rights on behalf of the EFL.
Interest in UK soccer outside of the Premier League has been boosted in the US recently by the success of FX sports docuseries Welcome to Wrexham, featuring Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny, the celebrity owners of League One team Wrexham AFC.
Dan Weinberg, exec VP of programming at CBS Sports, said: “The exciting action and prestige of the EFL, as the oldest league in the world, adds tremendous value to CBS Sports’ premium soccer portfolio.
“With the EFL’s compelling storylines and growing popularity, coupled with our first-class coverage, we look forward to further elevating this league in the US. CBS Sports continues to be the premier destination for European football fans in this country.”
Trevor Birch, CEO of the EFL, said: “Appetite for football in the North American markets has been growing year on year, and this partnership with CBS Sports and their leadership in covering the sport marks a significant milestone.”