Timbers Tid Bits: World Cup TV Rights Edition

by Geoff Gibson on Oct 13, 2011 11:58 AM PDT

Crikey! That's quite the title right? Well it has to be. Today's TTB is dedicated to an event which is just about to happen. We won't hear much of it in the lead up or probably even after, but it's coming. Essentially it's the US bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup.

The reason why I dedicated today's news round up to it is because there's a fantastic article below which I think every MLS fan should read. Essentially it's about the bidding process, who the players are and what the implications are for MLS fans who like to see their favorite teams on nationally broadcast channels. Many don't know this but one of the reasons why ESPN has been diligently broadcasting MLS games week-in, week-out is because ti was part of their deal when they secured the 2010-2014 World Cup broadcasting rights.

This next bidding process is sure to have similar implications and, quite frankly, I hope ESPN takes the cake again.

Enjoy your afternoon news!

Timbers news

Kenny Cooper: Portland Timbers' Mr. Nice Guy perseveres through up-and-down season
Great article and very true. When I spoke with him at his announcement press event he was very polite and generally seems like a great guy.

Dynamo, Timbers trade has produced winning results
I'm not sure if there was a more successful trade in the summer.

TEAMING UP: ALL FOR ONE
I think that's what makes the Timbers so great. Without a true "star" the team becomes the star.

Other news (after the jump)

Montreal Impact cuts ties with six more players
No news on Ryan Pore.

Tan's first goal lifts 'Caps off bottom of league table
Viva Cascadia!

Cameron honored by Major League Soccer
As a fellow Geoff, I'm honor bound to respect this man.

Players like Ochoa sit in ready reserve, waiting for the call
Sammy Ochoa was one of three Sounders who scored goals in Seattle's 3-1 MLS Reserve League win over San Jose this week.

NYC still aim for 20th team, but Cosmos not ready
If MLS would focus on somewhere other than New York, we might already have the 20th team.

Sporting KC, Chivas de Guadalajara tie 2-2
It's odd that there would be such a late season friendly.

Jesse Myers takes reins as Rochester Rhinos' new coach
Myers said the club's stability, the chance to win and fanbase led him to leave the Kickers.

CALLING IT A CAREER Berhalter, 38, to retire after this season
Not a huge surprise. Berhalter came into the Galaxy in 2009 and helped shore up a woeful defense.

World Cup rights bidding to have major implications for U.S. soccer
Another great Grant Wahl article about the business behind TV broadcasting.

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Comments

I hope it's not ESPN

not that they haven’t done a great job, but unless they can somehow parlay their coverage into showing MLS games on ABC like they do with some other sports (NBA postseason comes to mind), it’s not going to be a game-changer on the likes of having one of the national networks do it.

I think NBC is the best bidder, for two big reasons. One, they have the only combined English/Spanish bid, which is huge because obviously futbol is going to appeal to Hispanic families (first and primarily English speaking second generation) most. Two, because even though Fox Soccer is great, it’s still very much a niche channel, not something that comes with most standard cable packages like, say, ESPN, but mostly because Fox has other priorities. They have broadcast rights to some NFL games, as well as MLB, whose season conflicts directly with MLS.. there needs to be a channel where games are filled in during the summer. NBC only shows NFL games on Sunday nights, and they have broadcast rights to hockey on Versus as well as some games on NBC, again another sport that runs on a different season schedule than MLS. Plus, NBC already secured some of the rights to MLS broadcasting, so they’ve already shown they want to be invested the growth of the sport. I can see them pulling out more of the stops to make sure that happens than the other bidders.

by vitaminx on Oct 13, 2011 12:57 PM PDT reply actions

I'd prefer ESPN

I agree that Fox Soccer is great, but it’s not included in any cable package except the premium. ESPN would probably be my preference, not just because of it’s presence on a basic cable package; but the growing utilization of ESPN3.com, where I can watch lots of different games at the same time. They seem to actually want to promote the sport. Plus, they did a decent job with the World Cup in 2010 without blatantly talking down to their audience like Fox did with the Champions League Finals.

I would be nervous of NBC because I would hate to have games buried on Versus or NBC Sports or whatever they are calling it.

by uojones on Oct 13, 2011 2:29 PM PDT reply actions

Cooper vs. Perlaza

People are still calling for the trading of Kenny Cooper but why is nobody calling for us to get rid of Jorge Perlaza? Perlaza has fewer goals, does way less on defense, has a less impressive track record than Coop, and only makes about $60k less than Cooper (I think).

If people would get beyond their preconceptions of Cooper and looked at his contributions to the team as a whole, I think they would appreciate his contributions much more.

Contributing Editor for Stumptown Footy

by William Conwell on Oct 13, 2011 2:51 PM PDT reply actions

Chemistry

I would say that in the last few games, the Cooper – Nagbe chemistry up front has been very complementary, something that has never been the case with Cooper – Perlaza. Perlaza has looked best when Zizzo has made a run up the sideline and passed ahead for Perlaza to use his speed to catch up with. Sadly, except for the San Jose game on the road, there has never been anyone for Perlaza to center to on these runs.

Nagbe is most definitely our future, and I think he pairs better with Cooper.

I love Captain Jack but maybe Perlaza is expendable and getting a second midfielder like Chara who can use his speed and creativity and play box to box is a good acquisition and we keep Cooper and Nagbe up front?

by Dharmabum on Oct 13, 2011 7:07 PM PDT up reply actions