Fox Soccer Channel Finalizes Deal With MLS, Reportedly Worth $8 Million A Year

The long awaited deal between Fox Soccer Channel and MLS has been finalized with 31 regular-season matches airing on the cable channel, plus three more playoff games. The deal is for just one year, and a TV industry source said it was worth $6.25 million. Initial reports that the $8 million figure may not be entirely incorrect, but that apparently failed to take into account an agreement by MLS to buy “significant” advertising on FSC. That would still represent about $3.25 million more than they got last year, but considerably less than the $20 million MLS was supposedly seeking. Initial reports that Fox had offered $7 million annually to broadcast MLS games were called “incorrect” by the TV industry source.

“FOX Soccer has been a tremendous partner for MLS for many years and we are very happy that we have been able to extend the relationship,” MLS President Mark Abbott said in a statement. “Through both its news coverage and its extensive schedule of MLS games, Fox Soccer allows MLS fans across the country to follow their club as well as their rivals.”

The FSC broadcast schedule will kick off with a Week 1 match between the defending MLS Cup champion Colorado Rapids and the expansion Portland Timbers on March 19. The Rapids’ six FSC appearances are the second most of any MLS team. The LA Galaxy will appear seven times on FSC. The Columbus Crew, who were the only MLS team who weren’t scheduled for a national broadcast before this deal, will make two appearances on FSC.