NWSL on the Big Stage: ESPN Signs Groundbreaking TV Deal

Just one-and-a-half seasons into a highly successful soccer debut, the NWSL has "made it big." Beginning on July 20, when the Breakers visit Portland to take on the defending champion Thorns, nine NWSL matches will air on the ESPN networks, including a pair of semifinal contests and August's Championship match.

Finally, women's soccer will receive the attention it has long since deserved.

"We are very excited to announce our new agreement with ESPN," NWSL Executive Director Cheryl Bailey said. "In the midst of our second season, we are striving to provide our fans with improved access to our league matches and airing our games on ESPN2 and ESPN3 will give us a broader platform to expose fans to the amazing caliber of women's soccer in the NWSL. We also hope to create new fans who will appreciate the amazing athletes and personalities in our league."

Now, more than 92 million households will have access to NWSL soccer, streamed live on ESPN2 and ESPN3.

"This agreement with the NWSL represents ESPN's continued commitment to soccer and to top level women's sports," said Scott Guglielmino, ESPN Senior Vice President, Programming and Acquisitions. "We are excited to showcase this new league and feature some of the best female soccer players in the world leading in to the 2015 FIFA World Cup."

2014 NWSL National Television Schedule: