How Alex Morgan's Final NWSL Game Became a Multi-Network Simulcast
12m
When women's soccer legend Alex Morgan announced on Thursday that she would be retiring from the game, the NWSL opted to go the extra mile to make sure her final outing on Sunday would be available to as many fans as possible. After a flurry of logistical maneuvering behind the scenes over the next three days, Morgan's final outing with the San Diego Wave against the North Carolina Courage at Snapdragon Stadium ended up being broadcast on across an unprecedented lineup of outlets – CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, ESPN2, ESPN+, and NWSL+.
In addition the game was available via regional broadcasts in San Diego and North Carolina and in Canada via TSN+. CBS Sports also hosted 30-minute pre- and post-match studio shows with the Attacking Third crew simulcasting on CBS Sports Network and Paramount+.
Despite having less than 72 hours to pull it off, the league and its production partner NEP Vista's not only coordinated the ultra-complex distribution scheme for multi-network simulcast, but also doubled the camera complement and deployed a reporter on-site in San Diego in an effort to beef up the production quality. The result was one of the most iconic and compelling moments in the history of the sport here in the U.S.
On this episode of SVG Rewind, we are joined by Brian Gordon, SVP/Broadcast, NWSL, and Mike Freedman, Executive Producer, NEP VISTA, to discuss how their respective teams were able to get this unique production done on such a short timeline.
In addition to Freedman, Steven Kravitz, Director of Live Events; Chris Walkley, VP of Transmission; and Derek Padovani, MCR Lead, played key roles in coordinating Vista's efforts, which were centered out of its prodution center in South Florida.