When rumors surfaced that the cable channel Versus was interested in becoming the new home of MLS broadcasts, lots of us in the soccer world were intrigued. Some of us, were downright giddy. The reason: Fox Soccer Channel has developed a reputation for under-utilizing -- some might say neglecting -- MLS and fans were itching for a changing of the guard. Of course, that didn't happen and the league struck a one-year deal with FSC, presumably as one final test of the channel's commitment to the league. With the announcement that FSC will unveil "Soccer Night In America" on Friday when the Portland Timbers host the Philadelphia Union, this is the first tangible sign that maybe something has changed.
FSC’s ‘Soccer Night In America’ A Small Step In Right Direction
The new show, according to an article on MLSsoccer.com, will feature “redesigned, state-of-the-art graphics to headline the new look, along with a fresh set design, slow-motion camera technology and a style that migrates FOX Soccer closer to its network family.” The debut show will also be broadcast for free on MLSsoccer.com’s Match Day Live service.
To be sure, this is a step in the right direction. All things being equal, I think most would agree that the ideal home for MLS is on a channel like FSC that caters specifically to soccer fans and this sounds like it will be a significant improvement over the current set up. Unfortunately, there are few promises of any other significant changes that would enhance FSC as the home of MLS.
I’m still waiting for a studio show that takes a longer-view look at the league and what’s going on. I’d still like to see something that says to viewers “MLS is a major part of what we do, not just another league” and this show doesn’t really seem to do that.
The reason people were so excited about the possibility of Versus landing MLS broadcast rights is because the league would instantaneously become one of their crown jewels alongside the NHL, whereas MLS is simply just another soccer league to FSC. Maybe FSC is the only channel that really wants MLS, but that doesn’t mean those of us who watch the league won’t be demanding more from them.
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