By Ben Nicholson
October 6 – The MLS has added another TV deal to its expanding roster by partnering with FOX Sports Latin America to televise matches in Mexico, South America (excepting Brazil where the MLS already partners with Globosat), Central America and the Caribbean. The deal now makes the MLS available for viewing in almost 120 countries and territories worldwide.
The agreement spans from 2015 to 2018 and entails rights for two exclusive MLS league games per week, half of the MLS Cup games, the AT&T MLS All-Star Game and the MLS Cup in alternating years, and at least one Decision Day game (being the final game of the regular season in which the playoff places are alas cemented.)
FOX Sports Latin America will also broadcast a weekly highlights programme and feature news, analysis and highlights across its digital platforms.
The MLS has an impressive portfolio of global partners, including Sky Sports in the UK, beIN SPORTS throughout Southeast Asia and Australia, Letv Sports in China, and Abu Dhabi Media in the Middle East and North Africa.
The apparent commerciality of the league speaks not only to its lofty ambitions but also to the increasing international appetite for the league.
Gary Stevenson, from MLS Business Ventures, said: “With recent signings of top players from Latin America and the world, interest in MLS is higher than ever and this partnership will bring fans closer to stars, like Giovani Dos Santos, Kaká, Clint Dempsey and Sebastian Giovinco every week.”
Francisco Pazmiño, SVP Programming and Acquisitions for Fox Sports Latin America, echoed the optimism for the MLS’ global emergence: “MLS has seen remarkable international growth and we are excited to have this top-quality league with its highly competitive teams and world-class players as part of FOX Sports’ strong international soccer portfolio.”
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