The English Football League (EFL) has kicked off its new season with fanfare, marking the start of what promises to be a thrilling chapter for soccer lovers across the United States and the United Kingdom. With more games being streamed than ever before on Paramount+, fans are eager to tune in. But what does this mean for the clubs involved, especially for the captivating Wrexham AFC?
Wrexham AFC has become the unexpected star of the EFL, thanks to the immense popularity of the FX docuseries Welcome to Wrexham. Following the Hollywood-backed venture of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, interest has surged, and the season promises to reflect this newfound enthusiasm. So much so, Paramount+ will feature Wrexham more than any other club, showcasing nine matches before September wraps up.
The excitement kicks off with Wrexham's first match on Saturday at 12:30 PM ET against Wycombe Wanderers, broadcast on CBS Sports Network and available to stream on Paramount+. This debut is just the tip of the iceberg, as they lead the charge with the most games scheduled on the platform.
Following Wrexham, Leeds United is set to stream eight matches, including one League Cup game, along with Cardiff City and Norwich City, both featuring seven games each. On the other end, clubs like Millwall FC will only see one Championship match being streamed, clearly indicating the disparity within the league.
This new era for the EFL isn't just limited to matches being shown; it's about creating increased excitement and engagement among fans. Previously under the ESPN+ umbrella, the EFL has now signed with CBS, ensuring at least 238 EFL games will be broadcast throughout the season, including more Championship, League One, League Two fixtures, and playoff matches than ever before.
Paramount+'s extensive reach means even more eyes on the EFL. The platform will also benefit from enhanced studio coverage with Poppy Miller hosting. Her past work, including highlights from Serie A, lays the groundwork for insightful commentary and analysis throughout the season.
Joining Miller is an impressive lineup of analysts including Nigel Reo-Coker and Mike Grella, both previous players who know the ins and outs of the game. The CBS Sports team is also set to be reinforced with on-site reports from Geoff Shreeves and Anita Jones, ensuring fans receive the latest updates straight from the pitch.
Fans who can't catch live streaming on Paramount+ won't be left out, as matches will also be available on individual club websites or through other sports networks.
Can you believe it? Just when you thought the soccer scene couldn't get any better, CBS Sports' coverage begins with two Championship matches on August 9th. Blackburn Rovers will face Derby County, and Preston North End will take on Sheffield United, each available on both Paramount+ and CBS Sports Network. Soccer momentum is real, and CBS Sports is determined to keep it alive.
Another thrilling aspect of the new agreement with CBS is the increased number of Championship games, with at least 155 confirmed. Teams will not only benefit from heightened visibility but also increase their fan base across the pond.
What's next for the EFL? The answer lies not just with scheduling games but building fervor and allegiance among fans, something that's palpable this season, particularly for clubs like Wrexham AFC. It's it all about the community, passion, and, of course, the beautiful game itself.
This new chapter of the EFL, marked by Paramount+'s increased commitment and the growing following for clubs like Wrexham, indicates promising things for soccer enthusiasts. Will the spotlight on Wrexham inspire other clubs to ramp up their efforts, or will we see rising tensions and rivalries play out on the field?