Fox Soccer Channel will announce Tuesday that it’ll launch it’s second all-soccer network named Fox Soccer Plus on March 1, 2010, according to the Associated Press.
The news comes almost one week after EPL Talk broke the story that Fox had acquired the trademark and domain name to Fox Soccer Plus and that Fox was involved in negotiations to acquire Setanta Sports US. According to the Associated Press, Fox Soccer Plus “will draw content from Setanta USA, whose sublicenses with Fox are expiring.”
Setanta Sports US will continue showing Premier League games on its network and broadband channel between now and March 1. After March 1, Setanta US will no longer sub-license Premier League games according to Sports Business Journal.
In addition to the Premier League, Fox Soccer Plus will televise matches of the European Champions League, FA Cup and the Italian Serie A.
In the meantime, Fox is continuing discussions to acquire Setanta Sports and a decision is expected this week, sources confirmed to EPL Talk on Monday.
As far as Premier League coverage, Setanta Sports US has several significant games scheduled to appear on its network between now and March 1 including Manchester United v Burnley (January 16) and Wolves versus Liverpool (January 26) as well as Carling Cup semi-finals featuring the Manchester derby and Blackburn versus Aston Villa.
UPDATE: Fox Soccer Plus will begin showing Premier League games on the weekend of March 6, as well as FA Cup quarter-finals and Serie A. The Premier League has yet to finalize the TV schedule, so it’s not known at press time which matches will be televised. Also, Fox Soccer Plus will be broadcast in HD.
Fox Soccer Plus will be offered to video providers across the country and be available to viewers as a premium service. No price has been specified but I wouldn’t be surprised if the monthly fee would be $15.
Fox Soccer Channel has created a “Fox Soccer Plus Channel Finder” to help tell you whether your local cable or satellite provider will show the channel. They’ve also set up a toll-free number at 1-877-810-KICK if you’d like to request Fox Soccer Plus in your area.
Please post your comments below whether Fox Soccer Plus is available in your area or not!
