MLS lands new French-language rights partner in Canada

Canadian French-language broadcaster TVA Sports has acquired rights in the country to Major League Soccer.

TVA Sports’ five-year agreement with the North American football league covers the 2017 to 2021 seasons.

TVA Sports will provide cross-platform coverage of regular-season matches, as well as signature events including March to Soccer, Rivalry Week, MLS All-Star Game, MLS Decision Day, the MLS Cup Playoffs and MLS Cup.

TVA Sports will serve as the exclusive French-language broadcaster of Montreal Impact games and as the exclusive French-language home of the MLS All-Star Game, MLS Cup Playoffs and MLS Cup.

The broadcaster will show more than 50 games per season and produce a weekly show on the Impact, MLS and international football. TVA Sports will also provide editorial and promotional support across the media platforms of Quebecor, TVA’s parent company.

Canadian pay-television sports broadcaster TSN yesterday (Tuesday) extended its English-language rights deal with MLS. The five-year extension names TSN as Canada’s exclusive English-language broadcaster of the league.

TSN’s sister channel, RDS, previously held French-language rights to MLS in Canada.