The USL announced on Friday a deal with ESPN to broadcast games and other league-related content on television and digital platforms for the 2016 season.
The deal, which kicks off with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds-Orlando City B game broadcast on ESPN3 on Friday evening at 7 pm ET, will include 20 USL regular-season games shown exclusively on ESPN3, as well as the 2016 USL Championship aired on an ESPN television network.
“We are thrilled to announce our new collaboration with ESPN,” said Jake Edwards, president of the USL in a statement. “This relationship is another step forward for the League and its digital first philosophy.
“We will be announcing an exciting broad based media and digital content strategy shortly that will meet and exceed the demands of our-ever growing supporter base while positioning our clubs and the League for long-term success.”
In addition to the games shown, ESPN will also feature USL-related content on ESPN FC's TV and digital platforms.
2016 USL Game of the Week Schedule
April 22 – Pittsburgh Riverhounds vs. Orlando City B, 7 p.m. ET
April 27 - Louisville City FC vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds, 7:30 p.m. ET
May 6 – Rochester Rhinos vs. Charleston Battery, 7:05 p.m. ET
May 13 – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. Portland Timbers 2, 9 p.m. ET
May 25 – San Antonio FC vs. Rio Grande Valley FC, 8:30 p.m. ET
June 8 – Sacramento Republic FC vs. Real Monarchs SLC, 11 p.m. ET
Additional games will be selected later in the season based on "the most relevant games each week as clubs battle for playoff positions and seeds," according to the announcement.
