'Generational moment': USA strike landmark deal

World Rugby have announced a landmark multi-year broadcast deal with CBS Sports and Paramount+ to become the home of international rugby aired in the United States through to 2029.

The agreement includes exclusive U.S. rights to the next three Rugby World Cups – men’s and women’s – as well as all USA national team matches, delivering unprecedented access to the sport for American fans across both linear television and streaming platforms.

Paramount+ will stream every match from the Men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027 and the Women’s Rugby World Cups in 2025 and 2029, along with a host of other World Rugby properties. Select matches will also air on CBS and CBS Sports Network, including a USA national team double header on July 19, and the USA Women’s clash with New Zealand on May 23.

The further tournaments that will be available include the HSBC SVNS series, the WXV, the Pacific Nations Cup, the Men’s U20 World Championship and the Pacific Four Series.

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World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin said: “Today’s announcement is a generational moment for rugby in the United States. This landmark partnership with CBS Sports and Paramount+ is tangible proof of our commitment to grow the game by connecting great rugby with sports fans wherever they are.

“With their incredible reach and storytelling pedigree, CBS Sports and Paramount+ will be instrumental in building a coast-to-coast rugby community in a country already boasting over 800,000 players, a dynamic college system, a huge growth rise in women’s rugby, growing men’s professional league, and a fanbase of nearly 40 million.

“This important deal builds on strong momentum in the U.S. market, supercharging the fan ecosystem with shoulder content, digital storytelling, and on-demand access to help convert curiosity into lasting fandom.”

Executive Vice President of Programming at CBS Sports Dan Weinberg added: “With rugby’s popularity continuing to grow here in the U.S., this is the perfect moment to bring every major World Rugby competition to CBS Sports and Paramount+. By adding these championship events to our platforms, we’re elevating rugby’s presence nationwide and providing fans for the first time unmatched access to some of the sport’s most prestigious competitions. Paramount+ is now a year-round must-have for rugby fans.”

USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren said: “Our mission is to bring rugby to new audiences nationwide, and this partnership between World Rugby and CBS Sports marks an extraordinary leap forward. By showcasing both our USA Eagles and broader international competition, we’re building bridges between American sports fans and the excitement of the global game. Together with CBS Sports and World Rugby, we’re proud to lay a new foundation for rugby’s future in the United States.”