Fox Soccer Channel Finalizes Deal With MLS, Reportedly Worth $6.25 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.”