Viewers tuning into the Cascadia rivalry between the Portland Thorns and OL Reign Friday night were in for a rude awakening, with CBS Sports airing bull riding instead of the scheduled NWSL matchup.
The broadcast didn’t switch over until 20 minutes into the game, angering fans, players and journalists alike.
San Diego Wave star Alex Morgan tweeted her frustration, adding her name to the growing chorus of upset NWSL fans.
Wait I'm trying to watch an @NWSL rivalry but instead Bull-riding is running late on CBS sports 🤣 I just want to watch some soccer is that so hard to ask!!! 🤦♀️— Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) May 14, 2022
Wait I'm trying to watch an @NWSL rivalry but instead Bull-riding is running late on CBS sports 🤣 I just want to watch some soccer is that so hard to ask!!! 🤦♀️
Crystal Dunn was confused and upset with the situation as well, venting directly to the NWSL and CBS Sports Network on Twitter.
Why is Bull riding on instead of the game??🤦🏾♀️😑@nwsl @CBSSportsNet— Crystal Dunn | Soubrier | (@Cdunn19) May 14, 2022
Why is Bull riding on instead of the game??🤦🏾♀️😑@nwsl @CBSSportsNet
Im disgusted… this needs to be fixed NOW! 🤬— Crystal Dunn | Soubrier | (@Cdunn19) May 14, 2022
Im disgusted… this needs to be fixed NOW! 🤬
Meg Linehan of The Athletic provided updates to her Twitter followers, with the game finally coming on well into the first half.
Sure NWSL sponsor Ally is thrilled about this 20 minute delay.— Meg Linehan (@itsmeglinehan) May 14, 2022
Sure NWSL sponsor Ally is thrilled about this 20 minute delay.
The Thorns eventually directed their audience to watch the match on the CBS Sports Livestream and app to tune in while bull riding went late on CBS Sports Network.
OL Reign and Portland shared points in a scoreless draw Friday night, with the Reign weathering a relentless Thorns attack to keep the game level.
Portland will have a quick turnaround, taking on the Washington Spirit on Wednesday at Providence Park.