Check out the article below. It talks about how the WPS is trying to get more games on TV (in addition to the Fox Soccer Channel package that is already finalized). Each team is of course its own franchise. And they can pursue TV in their own direction, and the WPS as a whole is also part of the conversations with regional networks nationwide. Looks like it's almost preferred/required that they pursue to have at least a couple of additional games on regional or local television, for each team in its local/regional area. This "could" mean that most "home games" are on TV in the long run, for each franchise, with a regional sports network to that home franchise, if they can sign deals with either Comcast Sportsnet or Fox regional sports networks in that area. The WPS and its franchises are also pursuing NBC Universal to have content put on, including highlights, lifestyle, fitness, and biography and profile shows on the athletes in the league, etc. Just about all of these franchises have major sports networks in their region, either by Comcast, or by a Fox sports network, etc. Now all they have to do is strike a deal with them. That is very realistic right now, and I'm assuming a deal won't get done until 2009, early spring (right before the season, or February at the earliest). These regional networks will want to look at "demand" for women's soccer first. Then they can act, and a deal can get done. See article (more toward the bottom of the article) ........... http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6602345.html
Re: Looks like additional WPS games will/should be on Regional and Local TV as well ................ Comcast SportsNet used to show some of the WUSA Freedom games. I assume they'd be up for doing likewise again.
Re: Looks like additional WPS games will/should be on Regional and Local TV as well ................ Makes sense. There are more regional sports nets now than there were 7 years ago. DC has Comcast and MASN, with occasional sports on CN8. The NYC area has YES, SportsNet NY, MSG, MSG Plus, CN8, and a zillion independent broadcast stations. There is a good chance that the WPS teams might actually be able to get PAID for their local rights this time around.
Re: Looks like additional WPS games will/should be on Regional and Local TV as well ................ To update you on the TV situation, CN8 will be going dark in early 2009 in New England, while the Philadelphia and Washington/Richmond systems will be seperated and be rebranded as The Comcast Network, and will answer to Comcast SportsNet. Also, the Northern New Jersey part of CN8 will also be on their own service. Ummmm, CSN2 much?