US network Fox Sports has signed a multiyear media-rights deal with professional developmental American football league The Spring League.
Starting on October 27, Fox will broadcast TSL games on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings on its cable network FS1.
TSL’s 2020 fall season features six teams competing in a 12-game format over a four-week period from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
As part of the agreement, Fox Sports has also secured an option to acquire a minority equity stake in TSL, which is entering its fourth season.
The move supplements Fox Sports’ extensive National Football League and college football coverage.
“As we’ve said time and time again, Fox is football. We’re excited to add TSL to our already robust football programming lineup complementing our NFL and college football coverage,” said Fox Sports president of national networks Mark Silverman. “We believe in TSL’s mission as a developmental league and we are excited to grow with them in partnership over the coming years.”
Fox Sports is additionally believed to be interested in broadcasting the XFL, which is poised to return in 2022 after a recent takeover by an investment group headlined by Hollywood actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.