Local Stations Allowed To Broadcast MLS Cup Final
PORTLAND, Ore. — Local radio stations can now call the upcoming MLS Cup Final between the Portland Timbers and New York City FC.
This comes after a tweet from 750 The Game’s John Canzano on Tuesday, which said neither team could hold the game on local radio in English. That was because ESPN held the radio and TV rights to the game.
ESPN holds the radio/TV rights this year for the MLS Cup. For the first time in league history they’re not allowing either team to carry the title game on local radio in English.
Portland/New York have both complained to no avail, per source.
Again, this is a first for MLS.
— John Canzano (@johncanzanobft) December 7, 2021
Wednesday afternoon the Timbers announced that decision was reversed, and our sister station 750 The Game will be on the call.
Jumping for joy!
We’re thrilled to announce that Jake, Liam and Joe will be on the radio call for #MLSCup this weekend on 750 the Game. #RCTID pic.twitter.com/1z4KwSuMTv
— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) December 8, 2021
Before the reversal, Canzano said there was confusion between Major League Soccer and ESPN over the issue.
“They said it was coming from MLS,” Canzano said. “Gary Stevenson, head of MLS, said ‘No, we didn’t even know it was happening.'”
Canzano added that on Tuesday night, ESPN reached out to him to say no decision had been made on local broadcasts.
The MLS Cup Final kicks off at Providence Park this Saturday, December 11th at noon.
