NASL returns to CBS family

The North American Soccer League has agreed a rights partnership with CBS Sports Network, under which the US pay-television broadcaster will show 12 games live during the upcoming 2016 season.

The line-up of matches will begin with Rayo OKC’s home fixture against FC Edmonton on July 2. Four further games will be broadcast live in July, as well as three in August, two in September and two in October.

CBS Sports Network’s coverage of the NASL, the second tier of domestic football in the US, will culminate in Jacksonville Armada FC’s clash with the Tampa Bay Rowdies on October 30.

CBS partnered with the NASL in the 1970s during the league’s previous incarnation, broadcasting Brazilian legend Pelé’s debut for the New York Cosmos in 1975 to an estimated 10 million viewers.

The NASL earlier this week agreed a rights deal with the beIN Media Group that will secure the league live coverage on beIN Sports pay-television channels. BeIN Sports will air at least 34 matches live during the 2016 season in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico.

The 2016 NASL season begins tomorrow (Saturday).