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Welcome to my new weekly column that will review broadcast media happenings around the soccer world. Every Monday, I’ll discuss the latest happenings in the US soccer broadcast media scene and throw some reporting tidbits and analysis in there. 



NWSL TV deal for 2020 On Friday, Sports Illustrated’s Grant Wahl reported that NWSL will not remain on ESPN this season.



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Somewhat surprising: I&apos;m told ESPN will not be getting the NWSL broadcast rights this year. Finalists are CBS Sports, NBC/Telemundo and BeIN Sports.— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) <a href="https://twitter.com/GrantWahl/status/1223348682294206470?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2020</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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One source told me on background that NWSL going to NBC would prove problematic for MLS. If NBC is able to elevate and promote NWSL the way they did the Premier League, it would draw a sharp contrast with MLS. 



The source said promoting NWSL as the “best league in the world” where the “World Champion USA play,”&nbsp;would potentially undermine MLS’ argument about watching the league because it is “our soccer.” The source was less concerned about CBS or beIN SPORTS potentially acquiring NWSL rights, feeling neither outlet has the bandwidth in terms of promotion to core soccer fans to make any sort of dent. 



My take is that NWSL is drifting from partner to partner in the post A&amp;E era, and needs Octagon, the media agency retained by the league,&nbsp;to settle on a long-term strategy.&nbsp; 



Ahmed Fareed strong weekend deputizing for Rebecca Lowe in NBC’s Premier League studio



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="600" height="375" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20200203_CMS_294609_ahmed-fareen-600x375_fe94db85.webp&amp;width=600&amp;height=375" alt="" class="wp-image-294616" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2020/02/ahmed-fareen-600x375.jpg 600w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2020/02/ahmed-fareen-300x188.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2020/02/ahmed-fareen-150x94.jpg 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2020/02/ahmed-fareen-200x125.jpg 200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2020/02/ahmed-fareen.jpg 640w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></figure></figure>



It was quite a surprise to awaken Saturday morning to see Ahmed Fareed instead of Rebecca Lowe on NBCSN. Fareed has become quite good at presenting the Premier League with all the midweek action the last two seasons. And he was on the mark in his question setups for Robbie Mustoe and Kyle Martino. Fareed’s emergence as a competent Premier League fill-in not only adds to the portfolio of the versatile multi-sport host, but gives NBC more options in Premier League presentations.&nbsp;



In the past, I have not been favorably disposed to multi-sport presenters handling soccer, but Fareed has grown confident in the role as he’s now regularly filled in since early 2019.&nbsp;



Studio coverage this weekend on NBCSN had a strong focus on Bruno Fernandes’ signing by Manchester United, the renewal of the Pep vs. Jose rivalry that has helped define European club football the last decade, as well as Arsenal’s continued difficulties. Fareed facilitated a really good discussion Sunday morning about Arteta changing the Gunners mentality and shape out of possession, something never emphasized by Wenger or Emery.&nbsp;







ESPN FC needs more match exposure&nbsp;



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ESPNFC’s wraparound League Cup coverage of Manchester City-Manchester United demonstrated the potential of using the program and studio talent with so many soccer properties currently on <a href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/c/330866/555830/9070">ESPN+</a>. It’s been mighty frustrating to see how little ESPN uses this platform to provide proper match coverage of <a href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/c/330866/555830/9070">ESPN+</a> broadcasts, be they from the cups in England, Serie A or other leagues.&nbsp;



The move of the Bundesliga to ESPN next season should require a greater studio presence and the extensive use of shoulder programming. For all the complaints about FOX’s coverage of German football, it’s been easy to locate highlights shows using a programming guide. And studio coverage on FOX has actually been useful when an effort is made. For example, this weekend Alexi Lalas and Ian Joy flanked Kate Abdo for coverage in the FS1 studio and provided plenty of good analysis. 



FOX’s team of Keith Costigan and Warren Barton score again



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="600" height="315" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20200203_CMS_294609_fox-sports-bundesliga-600x315_de43469d.webp&amp;width=600&amp;height=315" alt="" class="wp-image-294618" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2020/02/fox-sports-bundesliga-600x315.jpg 600w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2020/02/fox-sports-bundesliga-300x158.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2020/02/fox-sports-bundesliga-150x79.jpg 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2020/02/fox-sports-bundesliga-200x105.jpg 200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2020/02/fox-sports-bundesliga.jpg 640w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></figure></figure>



Keith Costigan and Warren Barton have emerged as a spectacularly listenable commentary team for Bundesliga matches. Barton’s work has dramatically improved since joining FOX Sports in 2008 as part of their soccer coverage. He’s also developed a versatility to serve as both a studio analyst and co-commentator.&nbsp;



The former Newcastle United defender has demonstrated an uncanny ability to discuss team shape and defensive mentality in the last few seasons, an especially useful trait covering a league where goal scoring at times seems to simple for the top sides, as most recently evidenced by Erling Haaland’s seven goals in his first three league matches.&nbsp;



But unfortunately, this seasoned team is unlikely to call high-level European matches after this season with FOX being out of the European club game.&nbsp;



What do both Costigan and Barton do after FOX loses the Bundesliga? Both have coaching interests in southern California so aren’t particularly mobile. Costigan in particular is a very well-regarded coach whose career as a broadcaster has been enhanced by his understanding of tactics and technique.&nbsp;



Despite this, it would be wise for some other network covering the sport to make an effort to use one or both in the future. Even if simply in gap-filling roles.&nbsp;

NWSL needs long-term TV partner

NWSL needs long-term TV partner - World Soccer Talk

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I should first start off by saying to always check out <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com">WorldSoccerTalk.com</a> and the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/podcast/">World Soccer Talk podcast</a> for all of your soccer analysis, news, notes, opinions and scores. Now that the preambles are over, here are the remaining top soccer resources everyone should check out:
1. WhoScored.com – <a href="http://www.whoscored.com/Home">WhoScored</a> is a great website to visit for detailed statistics on 14 different leagues and competitions. The website keeps track of everything from goals and assists to what position a certain player was deployed at and player ratings (and everything in between).
2. Transfermarkt.com – While some, perhaps most, truly despise the transfer market, <a href="http://www.transfermarkt.com/">Transfermarkt</a> (that’s right, without the e in market) is your go-to website for all things transfer related. The website gives estimated player values, contract information, transfer history and allows you to compare players.
3. Squawka.com – <a href="http://www.squawka.com/comparison-matrix">Squawka</a> is a good site for player and team rankings, but best of all, their comparison matrix lets users compare players side by side from most of the major leagues around the world.
4. Statto.com – If you are looking for a site that features in depth statistics, ratings, results, and odds, then <a href="http://www.statto.com/">Statto</a> is a good place to start. The website compiles information from most of the European soccer leagues and international tournaments as well.
5. Soccerway.com – Much like Whoscored, Squawka, and Statto, <a href="http://us.soccerway.com/">Soccerway.com</a> compiles scores and stats from many different leagues and competitions around the world. This website also has a very thorough transfer page for teams in over 40 leagues worldwide.
6. FIFA.com – Whether you want to check out a calendar of upcoming matches, look up a rule, or view official FIFA documents, <a href="http://www.fifa.com/">FIFA.com</a> is the place to go. You can also view detailed information on official FIFA tournaments.
7. Match of the Day (UK) – The legendary television program has been on the air for over 50 years in the UK. MotD, as it is widely known as, is filled with commentary and analysis from presenter Gary Lineker and lead pundit Alan Shearer. MotD can be seen on BBC in the UK and BBC iPlayer.
8. Match of the Day (USA) – Based on the UK version, NBCSN’s MotD is hosted by Rebecca Lowe, and features pundits Robbie Earle, Robbie Mustoe, and Kyle Martino. MotD is aired on Saturdays at 11:00 p.m. (ET), Sundays at 10:30 p.m. (ET), and Mondays at 12:30 p.m. (ET) on NBCSN.
9. ESPN FC (TV Show) – Cable sports giant ESPN created ESPN FC as both a website and a soccer highlight television show. The show airs on ESPN weeknights at 6:00 p.m. (ET) on ESPNEWS and features highlights, analysis, power rankings, and bloopers from Tommy Smyth.
10. YouTube.com – If your team is rumored to be signing a youngster that you are not quite fully aware of, then <a href="https://www.youtube.com/">YouTube</a> is the place to go to see video of him. Teams and players can also have their own YouTube channels that you can subscribe to and receive behind the scenes videos, bloopers, and interviews.
11. League websites – Finally, depending on what league(s) you might follow, specific league websites (such as <a href="http://www.ligabbva.com/">Ligabbva.com</a> (La Liga), <a href="http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb.html">PremierLeague.com</a> (Premier League), <a href="http://www.bundesliga.com/en/">Bundesliga.com.en</a> (Bundesliga), <a href="http://www.legaseriea.it/en/">Legaseriea.it/en/</a> (Serie A), and <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/">MLSSoccer.com</a> (MLS) are always a good place to go to for specialized information pertaining to that certain league.

11 great resources for soccer fans

11 great resources for soccer fans - World Soccer Talk

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NWSL needs long-term TV partner

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11 great resources for soccer fans