ESPN has secured the exclusive worldwide rights to the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), the top flight of women's soccer in the US, reports, www.sportspromedia.com/.

ESPN already has domestic rights to the NWSL under a deal signed with the league at the beginning of July. The new agreement, which covers territories outside of the US, gives the broadcaster linear and digital coverage of the competition's regular season and play-off matches for the remainder of the season.

"This is an important step for NWSL to strengthen the league's reach through ESPN's international network," said NWSL president Amanda Duffy.

"Our partnership with ESPN has already brought NWSL's world-class competition into more homes and to more fans here in the United States. Expanding the network's distribution internationally will continue to elevate the profile and visibility of NWSL around the world."