CBS Sports to Broadcast U.S. Open Cup Through 2026
Sacramento Republic FC Set to Enter in Third Round
In a significant boost for American soccer, U.S. Soccer and CBS Sports announced today a multi-year media rights agreement that makes CBS Sports the exclusive English-language broadcaster of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup through 2026. The deal promises expansive coverage of the nation’s oldest soccer competition, beginning with the Third Round on April 15—when Sacramento Republic FC is set to enter the tournament.
A National Platform for a Historic Tournament
Every match from the Third Round through the Final will stream live on Paramount+, with select games simulcast on CBS Sports Network and the CBS Sports Golazo Network. Early rounds—Rounds 1 and 2—will continue to be available via U.S. Soccer’s YouTube channel, ensuring full accessibility for fans from start to finish.
The Open Cup, which dates back to 1914, brings together professional and amateur teams from across the country in a single-elimination format that’s steeped in history and defined by its unpredictability. CBS Sports’ coverage will include not only live games but also studio programming, highlights, and original content that spotlights the competition’s rich legacy and the diverse clubs that participate.
“This is an incredible step forward in our service to soccer strategy and to further growing the game,” said David Wright, Chief Commercial Officer at U.S. Soccer. “CBS Sports has shown a tremendous commitment to offer accessibility for all soccer fans.”
Republic FC Awaits Third Round Opponent
Sacramento Republic FC, one of the 16 seeded USL Championship teams in the tournament, will join the 2025 U.S. Open Cup in the Third Round. The club’s opening match will take place on either April 15 or 16, with the opponent determined by the results of the Second Round matches, which are scheduled for April 1 and 2.
The Republic are no strangers to the Open Cup spotlight. In 2022, they made an improbable run to the Final, defeating three MLS teams along the way before falling to Orlando City SC. That performance remains one of the most memorable stories in recent tournament history—and a reminder that lower-division sides can still dream big.
With the new broadcast deal, Sacramento’s journey in this year’s competition will be easier than ever to follow for fans, both locally and nationally. Every US Open Cup match for Republic FC will stream live on Paramount+, with the potential for linear television exposure depending on matchup and round.
Big Stakes in 2025
Beyond national exposure, the stakes in the 2025 U.S. Open Cup are higher than ever. The winning club will not only lift the historic Dewar Challenge Trophy but also earn a berth in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup and take home a $600,000 prize as part of a $1 million tournament purse.
While LAFC are the reigning U.S. Open Cup champions after lifting the trophy in 2024 with a 3-1 win over Sporting Kansas City, fans won’t see the same squad return to defend their title this year. The LAFC first team will not participate in the 2025 edition of the Open Cup, as they shift focus to competing in the MLS–Liga MX Leagues Cup this summer.
Instead, LAFC 2, the club’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, will represent the organization in this year’s tournament. It’s a significant change that reflects the evolving priorities and congested schedules faced by top-tier MLS clubs, particularly those involved in multiple competitions throughout the calendar year.
Growing the Game—And the Audience
The partnership with CBS Sports is being hailed as a major step forward for the domestic game. With Paramount+ already the U.S. home for major competitions like the UEFA Champions League, Serie A, and the National Women’s Soccer League, the addition of the U.S. Open Cup further strengthens its place as a go-to destination for soccer fans.
For Sacramento Republic FC and their supporters, the announcement couldn’t come at a better time. As the club looks to write a new chapter in its Open Cup story, fans across the country will have front-row seats—no matter where the journey leads.
Correction (March 26, 2025): An earlier version of this article stated that LAFC would participate in the 2025 U.S. Open Cup. In fact, the LAFC first team will not compete in the tournament. LAFC 2, the club’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, will take their place in the competition.