NWSL Kickoff 2025: Scripps Sports Introduces New On-Air Team for Second Year of Coverage on ION

Co-hosts Seb Salazar and Kylen Mills will lead shows from the network’s Atlanta facility

After a successful debut season in 2024, Scripps Sports is heading into its first weekend doubleheader of the NWSL on ION with new on-air talent in the studio. Co-hosts Seb Salazar and Kylen Mills, two respected and experienced individuals in the soccer community, will lead studio programming from the network’s facility in Atlanta and set the table for 25 weeks of high-quality matches in the women’s game.

Studio programming will once again be produced from ION’s facility in Atlanta.

“In our first season of coverage,” says Quinn Pacini, VP, operations, Scripps Sports, “ION quickly became a popular home for the NWSL. We’re picking up right where we left off with a robust and experienced broadcast team.”

Voice of Experts: On-Air Team Brings Knowledge of, Passion for the Sport

Aiming to solidify the studio programming with well-known voices, the team looked for two people who have a deep understanding about soccer and impressive résumés. A longtime face on ESPN Deportes’ coverage of both men’s and women’s soccer and a contributor to ESPN FC and Fútbol Americas coverage on ESPN+, as well as many years on-camera for other sports, Salazar was the perfect fit behind the desk. Mills, a former Division II soccer player at Lewis University in Romeoville, IL, brings the perspective of the player on the field. She also comes to ION as an Emmy-nominated broadcaster for her work with FOX Sports, NBC Sports, Big Ten Network, and Pac-12 Networks.

ION will present 50 games over 25 weeks in the 2025 NWSL regular season.

“I believe the level of knowledge in our telecasts will grow even stronger,” says Pacini. “Seb and Kylen are passionate about the game of soccer, and that emotion will come across on Saturday nights on ION.”

In addition to new on-air talent, the show is also running with a new studio producer. Taylor Quellman, formerly a producer of studio shows for the San Diego Padres, also produces studio programming for ION’s coverage of the Vegas Golden Knights. He’ll be joined by Executive Producer Nicole Denne, who organizes the show’s content strategy and weekly player features. She also oversees studio content for State Farm WNBA Friday Night Spotlight on ION.

In the booth, each game of the doubleheader will have its own commentary team. Returning after the 2024 NWSL on ION season, play-by-play announcer JP Dellacamera and analyst Jill Loyden will call the first match and play-by-play announcer Maura Sheridan and analyst Jordan Angeli the second.

In Year 2: Inaugural Season Sets Scripps Sports Up for Success in 2025

NWSL Operations and production partner NEP Connected Solutions are producing live game coverage on ION, but Scripps Sports is building on its relationship with the league to enhance the overall game presentation. The first season allowed the broadcaster to learn about what worked, what didn’t work, and what it could do to improve the coverage.

“2024 was pivotal for our education and understanding of the NWSL’s overall audience and, specifically, those engaging with the league on ION,” says Alystia Moore, director, sports content management, Scripps Sports. “This knowledge has proved invaluable in helping us prioritize and implement effective strategies to connect with the league’s fanbase heading into year two of our partnership.”

With experience on-air and within the game of soccer, Seb Salazar (left) and Kylen Mills are the new co-hosts for Scripps Sports’ NWSL studio programming. (Photo: E. M. Pio Roda)

Many of the lessons have been integrated into the workflow to offer deeper storytelling on the studio side. Along with working more closely with the NWSL to improve live production of the games, the team is excited heading into the weekend.

“Following a successful inaugural season, we’re pumped for year two,” adds Moore. “With the league experiencing significant growth in viewership and upcoming expansion, we’re eager to continue our partnership and actively contribute to the development of this remarkable league.”

The NWSL on ION begins with Utah Royals FC vs. Bay FC at 7:30 p.m. ET and Seattle Reign vs. Gotham FC at 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 15. Other notable events in the 2025 regular season are a rematch of the 2024 championship game with Orlando Pride vs. Washington Spirit on April 19 at 5 p.m.; a special tripleheader on June 14; and rivalry games featuring Bay FC vs. Angel City on May 17, San Diego Wave FC vs. Angel City on Aug. 9, Portland Thorns FC vs. KC Current on Aug. 23, and KC Current vs. Gotham FC on Oct. 10.