WASHINGTON, D.C. - D.C. United announced today a new four-year broadcast agreement with the leader in local sports television in the Washington, D.C.-Baltimore region, Comcast SportsNet. The deal ensures United's entire 30-game Major League Soccer schedule will be televised for the first time in team history. All home games will be shown in high definition. The agreement also includes unprecedented programming initiatives on the network.
"D.C. United has a long-standing and strong relationship with Comcast SportsNet," said United President and CEO Kevin Payne. "We are both proud of and excited about this historic new deal that will give the best fans in Major League Soccer unprecedented coverage of the team."
Comcast SportsNet's 18-game broadcast schedule will begin on April 28, when United travels to Columbus, Ohio to face the Crew. The schedule is highlighted by home dates with Chivas USA (May 6), New York (June 10), and Real Salt Lake (September 26), as well as road dates in Houston (July 8), New England (August 5), and Dallas (September 1).
"As Comcast SportsNet continues to grow its programming lineup, we are pleased to announce this long term relationship with D.C. United," said Sam Schroeder, executive vice president and general manager of Comcast SportsNet. "D.C. United has a far-reaching, enthusiastic fan base and this partnership allows us to not only broadcast live games, but produce innovative programming throughout the season."
As he has each season of United's existence, Comcast SportsNet's Dave Johnson will handle play-by-play duties. Returning to partner with Johnson, as color analyst, will be former D.C. United Head Coach Thomas Rongen. D.C. United Post Game Live will return for a second season while pre-game elements will be featured prominently within Comcast SportsNet's nightly news program, SportsNite.
The broadcast season will start, as it did last year, with Brunch with D.C. United showcasing memorable games from the 2006 season leading up to the April 28 Comcast SportsNet opener against the Columbus Crew. Brunch with D.C. United will feature such games as the international friendlies against Celtic FC and Real Madrid, the June 3 game against the New England Revolution, the July 15 match against the Columbus Crew, the September 3 match at Chivas USA and the September 23 Atlantic Cup finale against the New York Red Bulls.
The 2007 D.C. United broadcast package will include weekly game replays, D.C. United: Director's Cut, to be aired in prime time and hosted by United midfielder Ben Olsen. The replay will provide unique insight into the previous week's game from the players that were a part of the action.
