If ever you wanted an indication at how English soccer is becoming more popular in the United States, this Saturday will be a perfect example as both free-to-air networks FOX and NBC will broadcast live matches at the same time. NBC will feature the Premier League game between Chelsea against Manchester United, while FOX will broadcast the FA Cup semi-final involving Arsenal and Reading, live from Wembley Stadium in London.
That means that 2 of the 5 national free-to-air networks in the United States will be showing English soccer matches this Saturday.
FOX’s broadcast of Arsenal-Reading kicks off at 12:20pm ET while Chelsea against Manchester United kicks off 10 minutes later at 12:30pm ET.
Saturday’s live broadcasts of the two English soccer games will be another benchmark for the sport on US television. It’ll be interesting to see what the viewing figures are for both games to determine the impact of the sport among mainstream America.
Meanwhile, both NBC and FOX this week are upping their coverage. NBC has been broadcasting its Premier League games live from studios in England at Turf Moor, Old Trafford and Anfield, while FOX Sports is in San Antonio this week broadcasting the UEFA Champions League and US-Mexico friendly.
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