Late last night, reports surfaced that Fox was going to launch a new premium channel after obtaining the rights to English Premier League and other soccer matches from Setanta Sports. This will either be a pay channel or be placed on sports tiers. It will supplement the programming on Fox Soccer Channel by airing English Premier League matches and other programming that had been on Setanta. We have the press release from Fox International.
FOX CABLE NETWORKS TO LAUNCH NEW NETWORK
FOX SOCCER PLUSChannel to Feature Exclusive, Live Content in High Definition(LOS ANGELES) – Fox Soccer Plus, a new network intended to complement Fox Soccer Channel and complete the ultimate soccer fan experience, is scheduled to launch in fan-friendly high definition on Monday, March 1, 2010, it was announced today by David Nathanson, General Manager and Executive Vice President of Fox Soccer Channel.The channel will draw its exclusive match content from prominent soccer competitions, such as England’s Barclays Premier League, UEFA Champions League, England’s FA Cup, and Italy’s Serie A. Fox Soccer Plus will be offered to video providers across the country and be available to viewers as a premium service.“We are committed to bringing the best world-class soccer experience to fans.” said Nathanson. “As America’s interest in the world’s game is increasing, the launch of Fox Soccer Plus will complement and enhance our current programming on Fox Soccer Channel. Fox Soccer Plus builds on our position as the preferred television destination for American soccer fans as well as expatriates who want to keep in touch with their home teams.”Fox Soccer Plus is scheduled to kick off with an impressive lineup of live soccer matches during the network’s first week. Barclays Premier League games are set to air March 6-7, the FA Cup quarterfinals are taking place, and Italy’s Serie A is in full swing. Specific teams and match times will be determined in the coming weeks.
The channel will be in high definition and will launch March 1.
