In a seismic play that could finally vault rugby into America’s mainstream sporting conversation, World Rugby has inked a multi-year, multi-platform rights deal with CBS Sports and Paramount+, crowning the streaming service the exclusive U.S. home for all major World Rugby competitions through 2029.
From the thunderous clashes of the Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups to the bruising brilliance of the Pacific Nations Cup and HSBC SVNS, Paramount+ will deliver every match live, with select fixtures also airing on CBS and CBS Sports Network. It’s a move that, if you squint hard enough, looks suspiciously like rugby’s moon landing moment in the States.
“Today’s announcement is a generational moment for rugby in the United States,” said World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin, whose enthusiasm would be hard to fake even after a head-on tackle.
“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.”
All-In Access for American Audiences
The deal is exhaustive in all the best ways. Fans will have front-row streaming access to the 2025 and 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cups, the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup, and every annual marquee event under the World Rugby banner—including the WXV, Men’s U20 Championship, and the newly turbocharged U.S. national team fixtures.
Crucially, all USA Eagles men’s and women’s matches are part of the package. That includes a July 19 doubleheader airing on both CBS and CBS Sports Network, with live streaming on Paramount+.
And on May 23, the USA women’s squad takes on New Zealand in a late-night showdown—11:30 PM ET—exclusive to CBS Sports Network.
“It’s the perfect moment to bring every major World Rugby competition to CBS Sports and Paramount+,” said Dan Weinberg, EVP of Programming at CBS Sports.
“By adding these championship events to our platforms, we’re elevating rugby’s presence nationwide… Paramount+ is now a year-round must-have for rugby fans.”
The U.S. Awakens to the Oval Ball
This isn’t just a content deal—it’s a cultural campaign. With the United States set to host the Men’s Rugby World Cup in 2031 and Women’s edition in 2033, the timing couldn’t be sharper. Rugby is no longer knocking politely at America’s door—it’s barged in with cleats on.
“CBS Sports and Paramount+ will be instrumental in building a coast-to-coast rugby community,” Gilpin added, citing the existing 800,000-strong player base, a booming women’s game, and a rapidly professionalising men’s league.
“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.”
USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren echoed the sentiment: “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.”
That excitement is tangible. The upcoming Summer Series has smashed ticket records, and recent fixtures—like the women’s team’s clash with Canada in Kansas City—have drawn the largest-ever U.S. crowds for women’s rugby.
With personalities like Ilona Maher leading the charge on and off the field, the sport is beginning to find its groove in America’s complex sporting soul.
What’s on the Calendar?
If you’re a rugby fan—or about to become one—mark these World Rugby events on your 2025 calendar:
- June 29: Kick-off of the Men’s U20 Championship
- August 22: Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 opener (USA vs. England) and Pacific Nations Cup start
- September 20: Men’s Pacific Nations Cup Final, Salt Lake City
- September 27: Women’s Rugby World Cup Final, London
- November 1: New Zealand vs. Ireland at Soldier Field, Chicago
Tickets for all USA men’s and women’s home test matches are already on sale via usa.rugby/tickets.
In the end, this isn’t just a broadcast deal—it’s a statement of intent. World Rugby, CBS Sports, and Paramount+ are betting big on America’s appetite for contact sport with a global flavour. And if they’re right, the scrum might just become as familiar as the Super Bowl.
