NWSL secures ESPN exposure

US pay-television broadcaster ESPN has sealed a one-year rights deal for the National Women’s Soccer League, the top division of women’s football in North America.

ESPN will show a total of nine games through the 2014 season.

The ESPN2 channel will broadcast three regular-season matches and all three playoff games, including two semi-finals and the championship game in August.

Online service ESPN3 will also stream live coverage of three regular-season games.