FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 13, 2017
MEDIA CONTACT:
Tomás Silvani
Buffalo.Agency
703.891.3383
USL Television Network Expands to Pittsburgh; Riverhounds to air on WPCW-TV
USL to provide game production, original content
(TAMPA, Fla.) – The United Soccer League (USL) – one of the most prominent Division II professional leagues in the world and the longest standing member of the U.S. Soccer Federation – today announces the expansion of the USL Television Network to Pittsburgh. USL Productions signed a broadcast agreement with CW affiliate WPCW-TV to air select Riverhounds matches this season.
“As an emerging leader in sport broadcast television syndications, we play a vital role in providing tailored local programming to the majority of our markets across the country in only our first year,” said Tom Veit, USL Executive VP and Chief Revenue Officer. “This new partnership with the top broadcast group in Pittsburgh reinforces the USL’s vision of becoming one of the most recognized Division II professional soccer leagues in the world as we continue to reach supporters across multiple platforms.”
On-air talent is provided and games are produced by USL Productions, the league’s innovative $10 million broadcast center created in association with VISTA Worldlink in Fort Lauderdale, Fla, which houses the USL Television Network and Match Center. Upcoming Riverhounds broadcast schedule:
- June 17– vs. Louisville City FC – 7:30 p.m. ET
- July 29 – vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies – 7:30 p.m. ET
- 2 – vs. FC Cincinnati – 4:30 p.m. ET
“At WPCW-TV, we forge partnerships with well-established organizations and the USL is a perfect example of this,” said Christopher Pike, Vice President and General Manager of WPCW-TV. “With the help of USL Production’s state-of-the-art technology, we look forward to CW being the home of the Riverhounds.”
USL Television Network features local broadcast agreements in 18 unique markets, reaching more than 10 million households and transmitting 300-plus games for the 2017 USL season. A complete list of USL Television Network affiliates can be found at www.USLSoccer.com.
About United Soccer League
The USL is one of the world’s most prominent Division II professional soccer leagues, with 30 markets in 20 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces for the 2017 season. In total, the USL reaches a population of 75 million people, fueling the growth of professional soccer across North America.
In 2016, more than $100 million were invested league-wide into stadium infrastructure to create venues that deliver an unforgettable fan and competitor experience. The USL has national media partnerships with ESPN and SiriusXM, and recently invested $10 million to create USL Productions – which includes a state-of-the-art facility that will produce and distribute nearly 500 league matches and more than 1,000 hours of original content to national partners, local affiliates, USL’s Match Center and international markets.
A growing league, the USL has more than doubled in size since 2014, with Ottawa Fury FC, Reno 1868 FC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies having debuted in 2017. Nashville SC is set to join the league for 2018. Beyond league play, the USL regularly features international exhibitions against leading Premier League, Liga MX, and Bundesliga clubs, among others.
Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., the USL provides unparalleled club support with a growing team of more than 50 professionals across 17 departments, ranging from operations to marketing, communications and sponsorship. Follow the USL at USLSoccer.com, the USL Match Center, and on social media via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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