MLS TV Rights: Fox, Univision Land Linear Broadcast Deals

The Latest MLS TV Rights: Fox and Univision Land Linear Broadcast Deals

The latest MLS media rights news finds ESPN notably on the outside looking in for the first time in the soccer league’s 27-year history.

In addition to the 10-year, $2.5 billion TV deal earlier this year headlined by the new MLS Season Pass subscription service, MLS has recently inked four-year linear broadcast deals with Fox, TelevisaUnivision, TSN, and RDS.

Let’s dive into the specific details of these exciting broadcast deals:

Fox’s MLS TV Rights Agreement

Fox’s side of this latest MLS TV rights agreement grants Fox, FS1, and Fox Deportes exclusive English and Spanish broadcast rights to 34 regular season matches, eight playoff matches, and the MLS Cup final. This deal is designed to run through 2026, the year the United States, Mexico, and Canada will jointly host the men’s World Cup.

With this agreement, Fox continues its longstanding partnership with MLS and solidifies its commitment to the growth of soccer in the United States. The extensive coverage provided by Fox, FS1, and Fox Deportes ensures that fans will have access to high-quality MLS matches in both English and Spanish.

Univision’s MLS TV Rights Agreement

TelevisaUnivision, a leading media company in the Spanish-speaking world, has also secured a significant portion of the MLS TV rights. They will broadcast 12 group stage matches, eight knockout stage games, and the Leagues Cup final. This partnership with Univision further expands the reach of MLS among Spanish-speaking audiences.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber expressed his satisfaction with the agreements, stating, “We are proud to continue our partnerships with Fox, Univision, and TSN, and we are pleased to have MLS matches on RDS in Canada. These broadcast industry leaders continue to demonstrate their deep commitment to MLS and soccer.”

TSN and RDS in Canada

In Canada, TSN and RDS will televise at least one regular season match per week featuring a Canadian team, along with eight playoff matches and the MLS Cup each year. This ensures that Canadian fans have ample opportunities to support their local teams and engage with MLS content.

Additionally, TSN and RDS will receive extensive highlight rights, allowing them to provide year-round coverage of MLS and increase the visibility of the league in Canada. The marketing and promotional support from all four networks further enhances the value and exposure of MLS in the Canadian market.

Leagues Cup Coverage

The four networks involved in these broadcast deals will also serve as the linear home of the Leagues Cup, an annual tournament featuring teams from both MLS and Liga MX. FS1 will broadcast 10 group stage matches, four in the round of 32, and two in the round of 16 each year. TelevisaUnivision will broadcast 12 group stage matches, eight knockout stage games, and the Leagues Cup final.

This comprehensive coverage of the Leagues Cup ensures that fans can follow their favorite teams as they compete against top clubs from both leagues. The partnership between MLS and Liga MX continues to strengthen, providing exciting matchups and showcasing the talent from North America’s top soccer leagues.

Conclusion

The recent MLS TV rights agreements with Fox, Univision, TSN, and RDS mark a significant milestone in the league’s history. With ESPN notably absent as a linear partner for the first time, these new partnerships demonstrate the growing interest and investment in MLS from major broadcast networks.

The extensive coverage provided by Fox, Univision, TSN, and RDS ensures that fans across the United States and Canada have access to a wide range of MLS matches. The inclusion of both English and Spanish broadcasts caters to diverse audiences and reflects the multicultural nature of soccer fandom.

Furthermore, the broadcast deals extend beyond regular season matches, with coverage of playoff matches, the MLS Cup final, and the Leagues Cup. This comprehensive coverage allows fans to engage with the league throughout the season and witness the excitement of key matchups and championship events.

Overall, these broadcast deals bring immense value to MLS, providing increased exposure, accessibility, and quality coverage for fans. The partnerships with Fox, Univision, TSN, and RDS demonstrate the continued growth and popularity of soccer in North America, solidifying MLS as a premier league in the region.