World Rugby has signed a multi-year broadcast rights agreement with CBS Sports, making Paramount+ the exclusive streaming platform for international rugby competitions in the United States until at least 2029.
Under the terms of the deal announced on May 22 , Paramount+ will carry all matches from the men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups in 2025, 2027 and 2029, as well as annual competitions including the HSBC SVNS, WXV, Pacific Nations Cup, and the World Rugby U20 Championship.
Select matches will also air on CBS and CBS Sports Network.
The agreement includes all matches involving the USA men’s and women’s national teams, significantly expanding access to international rugby for American audiences.
Alan Gilpin, chief executive of World Rugby, described the deal as a “generational moment for rugby in the United States”.
He said: “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.” The statement was published via World Rugby’s official announcement on 22 May.
Domestic implications for USA rugby
The US is scheduled to host the men’s Rugby World Cup in 2031 and the women’s edition in 2033. The governing body has identified the US market as a key area of strategic growth, citing a domestic rugby participation base of over 800,000 and increasing ticket demand for national team fixtures.
Bill Goren, chief executive of USA Rugby, said the deal marks “an extraordinary leap forward” in building the sport’s profile across the country.
“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,” he said.
Dan Weinberg, executive vice-president of programming at CBS Sports, said: “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+.”
Upcoming fixtures include a test match between the USA women’s team and New Zealand on 23 May, which will be shown on CBS Sports Network. A USA Eagles men’s and women’s doubleheader is scheduled for 19 July on CBS and Paramount+. The Women’s Rugby World Cup begins on 22 August with the United States facing hosts England in the opening match.
A test for long term engagement
Rugby’s presence in the US has historically remained limited, but recent developments — including record attendance at women’s internationals and the rising media profile of players such as Olympic athlete Ilona Maher — suggest a growing cultural footprint. The agreement with CBS Sports is intended to provide the consistency of coverage needed to turn interest into sustained viewership.
While the partnership marks a significant increase in exposure for the sport, questions remain over how deeply rugby can integrate into a competitive sports landscape dominated by domestic leagues.
Will improved access and visibility be enough to convert casual viewers into long-term supporters?
