Soccer has become a battleground for sports networks in the last decade. But probably few ever saw this coming.
Just two months after ESPN announced the launch of a new daily, half-hour soccer highlights and analysis show called ESPNFC on ESPN2 beginning August 11, Fox is also getting in the game.
The launch of Fox Sports 1, a new national sports network and competitor to ESPN, will feature a new daily, half-hour soccer highlights and analysis show called Fox Soccer Daily. This newest show launches on Monday, August 19.
Fox Soccer Daily has already carved out the 4 to 4:30 pm ET window, which will sometimes be preempted by live European soccer coverage on Fox Sports 1.
Soccer fans who grew up on Fox Sports World's and Fox Soccer Channel's Report highlight show filed in Canada – first in Winnipeg and most recently in Toronto – this new iteration of a daily soccer show will emanate from Los Angeles.
As the soccer highlight show war takes centerstage this summer, it'll be interesting to see the talent tabbed to become the faces of these shows. The anchor selection could go a long way in determining whether ESPNFC or Fox Soccer Daily wins the audience.
NBC, you're up next.
