Eurosport Picks Up Exclusive Rights for MLS Matches

PARIS: As part of a new four-year deal, pan-European network Eurosport is slated to broadcast Major League Soccer (MLS) matches across most of its territories starting this month.

The agreement covers all of the channel’s European territories except for the U.K. The first game of the North American league to air on the network will be the upcoming kickoff of MLS’ 20th season, with additional bouts running from 2015 to 2018 during the ten-month football league season (from March to December). The deal includes exclusive TV and digital rights for all regular season matches, the AT&T MLS All-Star Game, MLS Play-Off matches and MLS Cup. Games will be broadcast on both Eurosport and Eurosport 2 and made available through the Eurosport Player, the network’s online subscription service.

Peter Hutton, the CEO of Eurosport Group, commented: “It is a pleasure to be able to announce our support for the long-term vision of the MLS. We see the recent signings of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard as further proof of the willingness of the league and its owners to invest in globally recognized names. This can only help us grow the MLS internationally, where we will look to show the league both live and in prime time to reach the maximum possible European audience. As we continue to improve the quality of Eurosport across the region, the new deal with the MLS is a significant step to increase our live football content as well as a sign of our belief in the potential of the league to continue to grow.”

Added Gary Stevenson, the president and managing director of MLS Business Ventures: “In what is a milestone season for MLS, we are excited to announce a partnership with Eurosport that will allow us to significantly expand our international footprint. Eurosport has built its reputation on delivering world-class content to viewers across Europe, and we’re excited to be their newest partner. With two new expansion clubs, New York City FC and Orlando City SC, global stars like David Villa, Frank Lampard and Kaká set to join the league, and players representing almost 60 countries, 2015 will be an exciting year for MLS.”