United States world cup broadcaset rights sold
The last time the world cup was shown in the united states it had terrific ratings. This time around ABC and ESPN are making sure they are in the business of the world cup broadcast again.
Even thought ESPN and ABC own the rights to broadcast the 2006 world cup, they've gone ahead and secured the rights to the 2010 and 2014 men's world cup as well. They also bought the rights to broadcast:
- 2007 women's world cup
- 2011 women's world cup
- 2009 confederation cup
- 2013 confederations cup
The price they paid was $100 million. It looks to be a bargain given the excitement that the world cup draws in the united states.
MLS commissioner Don Garber is excited:
In the immediate and long-term future, today's news will prove to be a historical turning point for the sport. These recent developments further solidify soccer's standing and value as a major television property in the United States with even greater future potential.
