CBS Reveals TV Deals
CBS will be the new home for second-tier English soccer, securing EFL rights until 2027/28, and they've renewed their deal with Serie A to continue coverage. Plus, apply for the England job.
In what is being hailed as “a groundbreaking move for American soccer fans,” CBS Sports has secured an exclusive, multi-year, multi-platform rights agreement with the English Football League (EFL). This deal brings the ‘“widest-ever distribution of EFL matches to the United States,” spanning across various platforms and “ensuring fans have unparalleled access to the action.”
TL;DR: You’ll get just over 100 more games than you did on ESPN+, but if you want to follow a specific club, you’ll need to sign up via the club’s own iFollow service. So logistically, not a huge difference.
Key Facts of the Deal
Exclusive rights: CBS Sports gains exclusive rights to broadcast EFL matches in the U.S.
Wide distribution: Matches will air on Paramount+, CBS Sports Network, and CBS Sports Golazo Network.
Multi-year deal: The agreement extends through the end of the 2027/28 season.
Extensive coverage: At least 250 EFL matches will be aired each season, including Championship, League One, League Two, Carabao Cup, and Bristol Street Motors Trophy competitions.
EFL: Better than the EPL, honest
While there’s a gulf in class between the EFL and EPL, each league is a lot more competitive overall. Yes, clubs relegated from the Premier League start out as heavy favorites with the top two automatically promoted, but the play-offs keep it interesting with the next four teams vying for promotion in a Wembley final at the end of the season. It’s not unheard of that a team flirting with relegation at Christmas to go on a run to the play-offs, while the same is also true of those in play-off spots to go in the opposite direction. In fact, it happens every year.
A Game-Changer for American Soccer
Of course CBS is excited, but if their EFL coverage is anywhere near to their Champions League efforts, then it’s going to be worth tuning in. With ESPN it always felt like it was somewhere you could find the game, but with the other competitions they have the rights to including UEFA Europa League, Italian Serie A, NWSL, Campeonato Brasileirão Série A, Scottish Professional Football League and Argentina Liga Profesional de Fútbol, could end up being a great soccer destination in and of itself.
Dan Weinberg, Executive Vice President, Programming, CBS Sports:
“The exciting action and prestige of the EFL, as the oldest league in the world, adds tremendous value to CBS Sports’ premium soccer portfolio… With the EFL’s compelling storylines and growing popularity coupled with our first-class coverage, we look forward to further elevating this league in the U.S."
Trevor Birch, Chief Executive Officer at the EFL:
“Appetite for football in the North American markets has been growing year on year, and this partnership with CBS Sports and their leadership in covering the sport marks a significant milestone… We believe that American fans will embrace the excitement, tradition, and competitiveness that is embodied by our EFL competitions."
CBS Sports' EFL Coverage Lineup
Championship: Minimum 155 matches
League One and League Two: Minimum 38 matches
Play-Offs: All 15 matches
Carabao Cup: Minimum 30 matches
Bristol Street Motors Trophy: 3 matches
Opening Weekend Fixtures
Friday, Aug. 9 at 3:00 PM ET
Blackburn Rovers vs. Derby County (Paramount+ & CBS Sports Network)
Preston North End vs. Sheffield United (Paramount+ & CBS Sports Golazo Network)
Saturday, Aug. 10
7:30 AM ET: Oxford United vs. Norwich City (Paramount+)
7:30 AM ET: Leeds United vs. Portsmouth (Paramount+ & CBS Sports Golazo Network)
7:30 AM ET: Middlesbrough vs. Swansea City (Paramount+)
7:30 AM ET: Cardiff City vs. Sunderland (Paramount+)
7:30 AM ET: Queens Park Rangers vs. West Bromwich Albion (Paramount+ & CBS Sports Network)
10:00 AM ET: Milton Keynes Dons vs. Bradford City (Paramount+ & CBS Sports Golazo Network)
12:30 PM ET: Birmingham City vs. Reading (Paramount+ & CBS Sports Golazo Network)
12:30 PM ET: Wrexham vs. Wycombe Wanderers (Paramount+ & CBS Sports Network)
Sunday, Aug. 11 at 11:00 AM ET: Sheffield Wednesday vs. Plymouth Argyle (Paramount+)
Monday, Aug. 12 at 3:00 PM ET: Luton Town vs. Burnley (Paramount+)
Carabao Cup Round One: Begins Tuesday, August 13
Additional Coverage and Analysis
Beyond live matches, CBS Sports Golazo Network will provide in-depth analysis and commentary throughout its studio programming, including MORNING FOOTY, CBS SPORTS GOLAZO MATCHDAY, and SCORELINE. This 24-hour soccer streaming network offers fans unparalleled access to domestic and international soccer competitions.
So, besides a 24/7 EFL-apalooza, international fans can follow their club via their club’s iFollow, which is a separate subscription - the price set by the club. For example, two seasons ago, it cost around $140 for a 12-month international season pass to watch Burnley through Clarets Player, which covered all the games apart from those shown on ESPN. Games were also available individually for a one-off fee. But, there doesn’t appear to be anything on their site currently, which may be the case for a good portion of the clubs as they update their offerings.
So, dedicated fans will either have CBS Sports Golazo Network as part of their existing TV package or sign up via Paramount+ ($5.99 per month) and iFollow (up to and around $200 per season?) if they want to watch every game. This isn’t the case for domestic fans, as Sky will be broadcasting them all.
CBS have just announced they’ve renewed rights to Serie A coverage, too.
In Other Soccer News
Transfers:
Most expensive transfers so far this summer:
The Guardian’s interactive transfer thing.
MLS announces major roster rule changes (NewYorkRedBulls.com)
Six Prime Roster Spots for Designated Players and U22 Initiative Players
Roster Construction Flexibility
Opportunity for More Allocation Money from Transfers
$4,400 for four tickets and you don’t get in? More fallout from the Copa America final as a woman sues for $50,000 in damages. (CBS)
The Everton takeover deal is off. (Evertonfc.com)
How international soccer friendlies boosts tourism (and other things).
Kit Reveal & Sponsorship Deal of the Day
What the…
Job of the Day
(And, no, we didn’t write this one):
England Men's Senior Team Head Coach (NFCSGP0377)
Division:
Men's Technical
Location:
National Football Centre, St George's Park
Closing Date:
2 August 2024
We are currently overseeing a highly targeted process to appoint the next Head Coach of the England Men's Senior Team.
Our succession planning process has already identified a number of candidates; in addition to this we are committed to open recruitment processes in the football industry and are interested in hearing from individuals who meet the following criteria:
THE ROLE
Lead and develop the England senior men's team to win a major tournament and be consistently ranked as one of the top teams in the world.
Provide inspiring leadership to a world class, multi-disciplinary technical team based at St. George's Park.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with clubs who employ English qualified players.
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
Will hold a UEFA Pro License.
Will have significant experience of English football, with a strong track record delivering results in the Premier League and/or leading international competitions.
Will be an exceptional leader who understands and will enjoy the international football environment.
Will be experienced in successfully identifying, managing and developing English qualified players.
Will be highly resilient and comfortable in a very high-profile role with intense public scrutiny.
Will have a track record of creating a high performing, positive team culture and environment.
Will have strong personal values and integrity and understand and embrace the role that the England Men's Senior Team Head Coach has inspiring the nation.
OUR VALUES
Aim HIGH
Achieve TOGETHER
Embrace DIFFERENCE
Should you want to register your interest and you meet the criteria above, please do this via email to mannie.neville@thefa.com
This is a private address, and should you meet all the criteria you will receive a response.
The Football Association promotes equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcomes applications from everyone who meets the criteria. If you have any requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please detail this in your covering letter. [link]
I don’t know, but it doesn’t look to be that difficult on paper…
Stat(s) of the Day
Mbappe’s goals plus assists:
Goalkeeper of the Day
It just opened up for him…
Quote of the Day
“He's very good on the ball. But he doesn't understand the position. He wanders, he empties the middle of the field too readily. Against Serbia, the first thing he did was chase down the GK & try to put him under pressure. It's naivety, he's still learning the game.” - Graeme Souness on Kobbie Mainoo
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