<p>The United States Women’s National Team (<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/uswnt-tv-schedule/">USWNT</a>) is a driving force behind the change from truTV into a sports channel in the TNT network. Warner Bros Discovery, the owning group of truTV, TNT and TBS, signed a multi-year agreement with US Soccer. Therefore, the basic cable channels have become a spot to watch USMNT and USWNT friendlies with select competitive games also available. </p>



<p>In many cases, truTV takes a backseat to TNT or even TBS. Take March Madness for example. The NCAA Tournament puts games on each of Warner Bros Discovery’s three cable channels, making each one important. After the tournament, TNT will still have coverage of the National Basketball Association and the National Hockey League. TBS is home to several TV series and movies. Therefore, truTV lies waiting. However, WBD is actively working to make truTV more centered around sports.</p>



<p>There will be an increase of around 1,000 hours in live sports content coming to truTV over the next year. Some of that comes from existing property rights. The NHL and Major League Baseball are already in Turner’s portfolio, so shifting games to truTV is no issue. Then, new properties in the broadcaster’s lineup, such as NASCAR, the French Open in tennis and various college sports, will also feature on truTV over the next year. Even though 1,000 hours is on the horizon, TNT sees far more live sports on truTV in the coming years. </p>



<p>“We aspire for TNT Sports on truTV to be a go-to destination for a dynamic range of fans seeking not only more premium sports but also alternate ways to experience and enjoy them,” <a href="https://frontofficesports.com/wheres-trutv-march-madness-channel-is-now-tnt-sports-new-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said Craig Barry</a>, TNT Sports executive vice president and chief content officer.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240713_WST_516192_USWNT-truTV-1200x675_acfd682d.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-516209" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/USWNT-truTV-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/USWNT-truTV-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/USWNT-truTV-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/USWNT-truTV-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/USWNT-truTV.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>USWNT helps establish truTV in TNT Sports</h2>



<p>If truTV is to become a go-to spot for sports, soccer can draw in major audiences. The USWNT has a major following, largely because of its success and the growing popularity of soccer. Previous US Soccer games have been available on TNT and Max, Warner Bros Discovery’s streaming service. Now, WBD is putting USWNT games on truTV.</p>



<p>Ahead of the Summer Olympics in Paris, the USWNT is playing two friendlies. On Saturday, July 13, the USWNT plays Mexico, with English-language coverage available on TNT, Max and truTV. This is a strong opportunity for truTV to further establish itself given that it is available on some streaming services that TNT is not on. For example, Sling Blue has truTV, while Sling Orange does not. </p>



<p>The fact remains that Warner Bros Discovery is trying to make truTV a more reliable home for sports to bolster its viewership. If fans are watching the USWNT on truTV, they may be more inclined to look for the channel when seeking something to watch. As stated with the other sports properties coming to the channel over the coming months and years, truTV will have plenty of options at its disposal. Depending on the USWNT’s success at the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/olympics/nbc-sports-releases-plans-for-olympics-soccer-tv-coverage/">Olympics</a> and further growth under Emma Hayes, more fans will want to watch the women’s national team on truTV.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em>.</p>

How USWNT is helping truTV morph into TNT Sports on truTV

The United States Women's National Team (USWNT) is a driving force behind the change from truTV into a sports channel in the TNT network.

<p>In their pursuit of a new Premier League goalkeeper this summer, Nottingham Forest may be planning Matt Turner’s departure.</p>



<p>Among all clubs, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/everton-and-nottingham-forest-charged-with-ffp-violations-20240115-WST-483518.html">Nottingham Forest</a> can speak to the immense influence goalkeepers have on a season’s outcome. They reached the Premier League two years ago, with Brice Samba as their star. They may have remained in the top flight for the better part of a year since it was Keylor Navas’ finest hour.</p>



<p>But this year, as a team, Forest and the goalkeepers haven’t exactly been getting along. The Reds have gone through three different goalkeepers, each of whom has performed differently. When Espirito Santo joined the team, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/forest-signs-goalkeeper-as-turners-time-as-clubs-starter-to-end-20240201-WST-486784.html">Matt Turner</a> started the season and seemed to be destined to stay on top. However, the head coach made the switch due to a series of high-profile mistakes.</p>



<p>Unexpectedly, Odysseas Vlachodimos was also not convincing. The Greek international joined on the summer transfer deadline from Benfica, although he failed to make an impact in his first five Premier League appearances.</p>



<p>Since his summer move from Strasbourg for $6.2 million, Matz Sels has taken over as the primary goalkeeper. Thus, he will continue to play a pivotal role in the team this year. Yet, a name that Forest is already acquainted with has come up again. A summer transfer to the City Ground is high on Espirito Santo’s wish list.</p>



<h2>Forest looks to another goalkeeper</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13310571/Liverpool-confidential-Caoimhin-Kelleher-Alisson-Anfield-Hillsborough-UEFA-Europa-League.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Daily Mail</a> reports that the Portuguese coach is reportedly keen on having Forest look for a new goalkeeper again. Thus, he has his sights set on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a>’s Caoimhin Kelleher. It seems like the 25-year-old will be leaving Liverpool this summer. He is eager to get consistent playing time this season.</p>



<p>Another club interested in signing the Irish international is Scottish side Celtic. His chances of getting consistent playing time are high with any team. Because of his performance in the Carabao Cup final, Kelleher has earned more playing time for Liverpool this season.</p>



<p>Due to Alisson’s injury, he started the last eight <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> games in a row; nevertheless, he was benched for the most recent match. Jurgen Klopp praised Kelleher as “outstanding” for his bravery during the 2023-24 season. The report adds that the Liverpool manager is a major supporter of the player.</p>



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<h2>Matt Turner set for exit?</h2>



<p>Considering their past performance, it’s understandable that they were eager to get out of the situation where Forest had Turner and Vlachodimos as their options. Having the incorrect goalkeepers might send them tumbling back to the Championship. Especially, ever since the Premier League hit them with a significant points punishment.</p>



<p>Particularly with Turner, they risked losing their position as a top-division club in the past. Forest knew going in that the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/usmnt-tv-schedule/">USMNT</a> man had some flaws in his game when they bought him from Arsenal last summer. Going head-to-head with Aaron Ramsdale in cup games was a certain way to show that he wasn’t exactly a natural with the ball.</p>



<p>At the highest level of European soccer, teams could not afford to have a talented goalkeeper without strong ball-handling abilities; as Turner’s experience last season seems to demonstrate.</p>



<p><em>Photos: IMAGO / Action Plus</em>.</p>

Matt Turner set for Forest exit? Club looks to lure Liverpool star

In their pursuit of a new Premier League goalkeeper this summer, Nottingham Forest may be planning Matt Turner's departure.

Matt Turner set for Forest exit? Club looks to lure Liverpool star - World Soccer Talk

<p>ESPN, FOX, and TNT owner WarnerBros Discovery this week announced <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/espn-fox-and-warnerbros-discovery-to-create-killer-sports-app-20240206-WST-488024.html">a major joint venture</a> to stream sports, including soccer, on one app. ESPN is the home of a litany of club competitions in Europe, including the Bundesliga and LaLiga. FOX has provided a home for international soccer on United States television. The Gold Cup, European Championship, Copa America, and the World Cup come through FOX’s channels. Then, US Soccer has a deal with TNT that brings friendlies and select competitions involving the USMNT and USWNT to American screens. But what’s missing of importance for most soccer fans?</p>



<p>Much of the draw for this joint venture comes from the array of other sports. ESPN announced that this app, which is coming in the fall of 2024, would have an impressive list of channels. ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, ABC, FOX, FS1, FS2, BTN, TNT, TBS and truTV are all available on this app. Moreover, any subscription will include <a href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">ESPN+</a> access. Those channels have content from many sports, so this is far from just a soccer-specific offering.</p>



<p>However, there is no price point that the three companies have settled on yet. It is hard to estimate what that may be upon release, but it will likely hover around $50/month. Again, that is no guarantee. That raises the question of whether it is worth it for soccer fans to subscribe. Even with so many channels, considerable soccer content is not available in this mega app. </p>



<h2>Top soccer competitions not on ESPN, FOX and TNT app</h2>



<p>The biggest competition that is unavailable for American audiences is the Premier League. The most popular soccer league on American TV goes through NBC, Peacock and USA Network. Therefore, Premier League viewers will still need a different pay-TV subscription, or at least Peacock Premium, to not miss games from the English top flight.</p>



<p>Secondly, a big miss on the ESPN/FOX/TNT app is the lack of availability of Liga MX games from Mexico. There’s no Univision, TUDN or Telemundo on the app. In fact, the list of channels available on the new app is very English-language with no mentions of trying to appeal to the Spanish-language audience in the United States.</p>



<p>Then, CBS has several top-tier competitions that have strong followings in the United States. Look no further than the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League. Not only does the Champions League determine the best club in Europe, but it is the best opportunity to see the biggest clubs in the world go head-to-head. While this will include some of the clubs available on the ESPN, FOX, and TNT app, such as those in the Bundesliga or LaLiga, the Champions League is the pinnacle for many players.</p>



<p>CBS also has coverage of Serie A, which is of particular note for American supporters. Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, and Timothy Weah are four of the best players for the USMNT, and their entire club schedule is available through Paramount+.</p>



<p>The final pivotal channel for soccer fans not available in the joint venture is beIN SPORTS. The home of Ligue 1, the Turkish Super Lig, and the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations remains a player in the soccer TV market. However, these competitions will require an outside subscription as they are not in this app.</p>



<h2>Extensive list of leagues and competitions not on the mega app</h2>



<p>In terms of all the leagues that would not be covered in this joint venture, here is a list of what requires a different pay-TV or streaming subscription.</p>



<ul><li><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/asian-cup-tv-schedule/">AFC Asian Cup TV schedule</a></li><li><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/afc-champions-league-tv-schedule/">AFC Champions League TV schedule</a></li><li><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/africa-cup-of-nations-tv-schedule/">Africa Cup of Nations TV schedule</a></li><li><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/superliga-argentina-tv-schedule/">Argentine Primera División TV schedule</a></li><li><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/brasileirao-tv-schedule-and-streaming-links/">Brasileirāo TV schedule</a></li><li><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/concacaf-nations-league-schedule/">CONCACAF Nations League TV schedule</a></li><li><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/copa-libertadores-tv-schedule/">CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores TV schedule</a></li><li><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule">English Premier League TV schedule</a></li><li><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/womens-super-league-tv-schedule/">English Women’s Super League TV schedule</a></li><li><a href="https://www.worldsoccertalk.com/ligue-un-tv-schedule">French Ligue Un TV schedule</a></li><li><a href="https://www.worldsoccertalk.com/coppa-italia-tv-schedule-and-streaming-links/">Italian Coppa Italia TV schedule</a></li><li><a href="https://www.worldsoccertalk.com/serie-a-tv-schedule">Italian Serie A TV schedule</a></li><li><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/liga-mx-tv-schedule/">Liga MX TV schedule</a><ul><li>Select games available on FS2</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/">MLS TV schedule</a><ul><li>Select games available on FOX</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nwsl-tv-schedule-and-streaming-links/">NWSL TV schedule</a><ul><li>Select games available on ESPN</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/primeira-liga-tv-schedule/">Portuguese Primeira Liga TV schedule</a></li><li><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/scottish-premiership-tv-schedule/">Scottish Premiership TV schedule</a></li><li><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/turkish-super-lig-tv-schedule/">Turkish Super Lig TV schedule</a></li><li><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">UEFA Champions League TV schedule</a></li><li><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/conference-league-tv-schedule/">UEFA Europa Conference League schedule</a></li><li><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/europa-league-tv-schedule/">UEFA Europa League TV schedule</a></li></ul>



<p><em>Photos: Imago</em>.</p>

What's missing from the ESPN, FOX and TNT app for soccer fans

TNT owner WarnerBros Discovery announced a massive joint venture to stream sports, including soccer, on one app.

<p>Warner Bros Discovery’s streaming service Max is emerging as a major player in the sports streaming market with its wide selection of content. For soccer fans, the highlight of that is games involving the United States Men’s and Women’s National Teams. US Soccer signed a deal with Turner Sports in 2022. It has been <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/us-soccer-national-team-to-make-hbo-max-debut-in-january-20221202-WST-410783.html">over a year</a> since the beginning of that deal. That deal includes friendlies and select Nations League games from CONCACAF that the USMNT may play in.</p>



<p>However, the majority of Max’s subscribers are paying for the selection of movies and TV shows that are available on the service. Many of the programs available have won awards. Additionally, there is a selection of live sports available outside of soccer. TNT and TBS have coverage of select National Hockey League and National Basketball Association Games. Subscribers to the Bleacher Report add-on (currently included for free to subscribers) on Max get access to those games as simulcasts.</p>



<p>Max has a base price of <a href="https://max.prf.hn/click/camref:1101lvEdz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">$9.99</a> with advertisements. There are also ad-free and ultimate ad-free tiers that are <a href="https://max.prf.hn/click/camref:1101lvEdz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">$15.99</a> and <a href="https://max.prf.hn/click/camref:1101lvEdz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">$19.99</a> per month, respectively. The Bleacher Report add-on is $9.99 per month on top of the price of the Max subscription. Yet, the B/R sports add-on is free for the first few months of 2024. Originally, the plan was to put it behind a paywall after February. However, a technical issue pushed that date back. The games available on the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/hbo-max-soccer-schedule/">Max soccer schedule</a> do not require the sports add-on. Still, it adds to the options subscribers have when they get Max.</p>



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<h2>Range of content on Max</h2>



<p>Regardless of all the sports, the main draw of Max remains the movies and TV shows. Starting with the movies, several new options draw critical praise. For example, <em>Barbie</em>, <em>Moonlight,</em> and <em>Parasite</em> are all available via Max. Yet, the content goes well beyond just modern movies. Some of the most iconic movies of all time can be found on Max. Movies like <em>2001: A Space Odyssey</em>, <em>Casablanca</em>, <em>Pulp Fiction,</em> and <em>Lord of the Rings</em> all have a home on Max.</p>



<p>Those movies are great for one night. Fortunately, Max has a sensational variety of award-winning TV shows that are both from TV and exclusive to the streaming service and HBO. None of those stand out in modern times as much as <em>Game of Thrones</em> and <em>House of the Dragon</em>. Both are wildly popular fantasy series that millions of people from across the world watch. <em>Succession</em>, <em>The Last of Us</em> and <em>Winning Time</em> are shows made exclusively for Max. There are also classic shows like <em>Friends</em>, <em>The Sopranos,</em> and <em>South Park</em> on Max.</p>



<p>Again, there is a growing catalog of sports available on Max, and some of it requires the Bleacher Report add-on. The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, colloquially known as March Madness, would have been behind that paywall for those who do not have cable. Now, all Max subscribers have access to the live sports content that is available in the Bleacher Report section. After a few months, that free offering goes away.</p>



<p>Learn more about the <a href="https://max.prf.hn/click/camref:1101lvEdz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Max streaming service</a> today.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO</em>.</p>

Max expands content beyond USMNT and USWNT games

Warner Bros Discovery's streaming service Max is emerging as a major player in the sports streaming market with its wide selection of content.

<p>TNT and other Turner channels fell off the fuboTV lineup back in the summer of 2020. Now, it appears over seven channels are returning to fuboTV’s lineup, according to <a href="https://thedesk.net/2023/01/fubo-tv-bringing-back-cnn-tbs-tnt-turner-owned-channels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matthew Keys from <em>The Desk</em></a>. </p>



<p>Those channels, which include TNT, TBS, TruTV, CNN and more are part of a new agreement between fuboTV and Warner Bros. Discovery. The report says that those channels are coming back to fuboTV’s lineup as soon as Jan. 16. </p>



<p>According to a fuboTV spokeswoman, she said, “we have no current plans to launch any new networks from Warner Bros Discovery.”</p>



<p>For soccer fans, the deal comes at the perfect time. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/us-soccer-announce-new-tv-deal-turner-sports-20220301-CMS-373327.html">US Soccer begins its deal</a> with Warner Bros. Discovery this year. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/us-soccer-national-team-to-make-hbo-max-debut-in-january-20221202-WST-410783.html">first game of that new deal</a> for TNT is on Jan. 28 when the USMNT plays Colombia. If this report stands true and those channels come back, fuboTV subscribers will have access to the game.</p>


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<p>However, there is some stipulation with fuboTV getting these channels back.</p>



<h5>fuboTV price rises again</h5>



<p>Although unrelated to the fuboTV deal to get TNT and other Turner channels, the price of the service is going up. Instead, this price hike is in relation to Bally Sports regional sports networks. </p>



<p>Now, fuboTV has a base price plan of $74.99 per month. Then, there is an elite plan for $84.99 and a premier plan for $94.99. These are all $5 increases from what the prices were entering 2023. </p>



<p>The uptick in price starts in the February billing cycle.</p>



<h2>TNT and Turner channels back on fuboTV</h2>



<p>As stated, the US Soccer move to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/usmnt-and-uswnt-commentators-for-tnt-and-hbo-max-20230110-WST-415003.html">Turner channels and HBO Max</a> means friendlies are now commonplace on TNT and related channels. This deal arrives just in time for fuboTV subscribers to watch the USMNT or USWNT on these channels.</p>



<p>Of course, these channels provide much more than just the USMNT or USWNT. TNT regularly broadcasts both the NHL and NBA. Also, TNT, TBS and TruTV have entertaining shows airing almost daily.</p>



<p>The addition of Turner’s channels also brings CNN, Cartoon Network and other channels, providing content for the entire family.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / NurPhoto</em></p>

TNT and Turner channels returning to fuboTV, report says

TNT and other Turner channels are making a long-awaited return to fuboTV just in time for the US Soccer deal with Warner Bros. Discovery.

<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>
<p>AT&amp;T’s media entity WarnerMedia is in the mix for at least a piece of the MLS rights.</p>
<p>In fact, WarnerMedia showed interest in acquiring the U.S. rights to the English Premier League. However, <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/11/18/nbc-wins-premier-league-rights-through-2027-28/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBC extended its deal with the EPL</a> in November through the 2027/28 season. Since then, MLS appeared as the next big media rights package up for grabs.</p>
<p>Among the likes of ESPN, FOX, and CBS, WarnerMedia has interest in acquiring at least a piece of MLS’s domestic rights.</p>
<p>WarnerMedia’s bid for Premier League rights fell just short. Yet, it was not for a lack of financial resources. With the monetary means still available, WarnerMedia can direct these to other potential rights. Ergo, Major League Soccer.</p>
<p>Our sources at World Soccer Talk indicated that WarnerMedia and its subsidiary, Turner Sports, are dialed-in on MLS. The current MLS rights deal expires at the end of the 2022 season. WarnerMedia eyes up at least a piece of the rights starting in 2023.</p>
<h3>WarnerMedia and Turner’s Soccer Coverage</h3>
<p>WarnerMedia’s bid for Premier League rights likely included multiple linear channels. Additionally, the media conglomerate included the potential of multiple streaming services. As things stand, the Discovery-AT&amp;T merger awaits regulatory approvals. Even then, <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/09/17/timing-is-ideal-for-amazon-and-hbo-max-to-enter-soccer-streaming-wars/">HBO Max</a> and <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2020/06/25/turner-and-bleacher-report-quit-champions-league-but-have-eyes-on-mls-rights/">Bleacher Report</a> remain streaming options for MLS.</p>
<p>The Discovery piece was probably more critical for European rights, such as the Premier League, as Discovery Networks have significant experience broadcasting soccer in Europe. Experience is something that WarnerMedia lacks in terms of European soccer coverage.</p>
<p>Many soccer fans dismiss Turner Sports because of the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2020/03/04/turner-sports-discuss-losing-uefa-champions-league-rights-to-cbs/">difficult 19 months</a> they had broadcasting UEFA club competitions. In reality, WarnerMedia changed significantly since then. Moreover, Turner’s coverage of European competitions does not terribly bother or interest most MLS fans.</p>
<p>In fact, Turner’s millennial-centric approach to coverage could be attractive to some of MLS’s target audience. This is especially applicable in places like Austin and Nashville, which of course have relatively new clubs.</p>
<p>However, one caveat is for the broadcaster to avoid branding all of its coverage with the “B/R Live” moniker. Not only is that <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2020/07/14/what-happens-to-b-r-live-now-for-soccer-fans/">brand damaged</a>, but it serves to trivialize the coverage. The Turner Sports name has much more residual name ID and credibility among sports fans. This includes a number of American soccer fans.</p>
<h5>Turner vs. The Competition</h5>
<p>One important note in this discussion is that Turner Sports does not broadcast any college football currently. Despite a rich history in the sport including the SEC, PAC-10 and Big 12, ESPN and FOX have a strangle on college football. Of course, this makes WarnerMedia and Turner a more attractive potential partner for MLS.</p>
<p>Additionally, outside of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, the provider does not broadcast college basketball. Turner&nbsp; lost virtually all its golf coverage as well and does not broadcast the NFL.</p>
<p>Turner Sports does broadcast the NBA, MLB and NHL. However, most programming conflicts that hobbled MLS and soccer in general through the years happened due to carriers prioritizing NFL or college football. Therefore, Turner is ideal for Major League Soccer.</p>
<h5>The Next MLS TV deal</h5>
<p>The package that MLS is offering broadcasters beginning in 2023 differs greatly from previous years. One major gap is that, in this go-round, the rights do not include the USMNT and USWNT. But, in its place, MLS has an exciting new summer tournament, the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/12/02/mls-tv-rights-deal-depends-on-leagues-cup-success/">Leagues Cup</a>. Additionally, the deal, expected to find a suitor in early 2022, features matches from a new third division. The league, known as <a href="https:\/\/www.mlssoccer.com/news/mls-next-pro-unveils-21-clubs-for-inaugural-season-starting-march-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MLS Next Pro</a>, includes both MLS reserve teams and independent clubs.</p>
<p>MLS will presumably also include matches from its MLS Next youth academy program in the package.&nbsp; MLS Next is two seasons old now. Therefore, it was not included in the previous negotiations for MLS rights.</p>
<h3>WarnerMedia and MLS Rights</h3>
<p>Here is a quick primer of what WarnerMedia covering MLS could look like:</p>
<ul>
<li>A weekly weekend match broadcast on TNT or TBS. This could slot in on a Sunday evening and feature full studio wraparound coverage. Compare it to how Turner broadcasts the NBA and NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournaments. Or, WarnerMedia could go the millennial-feel route like they did with UEFA club competitions. One thing they should do for sure is market the broadcasts as “Turner Sports” or “TNT or TBS” instead of “B/R Live.” TruTV remains an option if needed for spillover matches or due to broadcast conflicts.</li>
<li>Turner produces a weekly magazine program that airs sometime during the week on MLS. This is something ESPN has failed to consistently deliver on its years broadcasting the league, with many stops, starts and stops again on various MLS-related bumped programming. The program could be broadcast on either TBS or TNT.</li>
<li>HBO Max splits streaming for MLS with another partner (presumably either CBS or ESPN’s streaming components). HBO Max as a streaming service is far more reliable technologically and stability-wise than the clunky B/R Live used on European club coverage from 2018 to 2020.</li>
<li>In order to keep Bleacher Report viable and attractive, MLSNext Pro matches are sent to that streaming service with a once-a-week carve out for either broadcast on TNT/TBS or HBO Max.</li>
<li>Leagues Cup is shown on multiple networks during the summer using the full thrust of Turner and WarnerMedia’s bandwidth. Only sports programming conflicts will likely be with the MLB as the competition will likely coincide with the NHL and NBA offseason. Imagine Turner showing different Leagues Cup matches on TNT, TBS and HBO Max in a single night.</li>
<li>MLS Next, the youth competition could be broadcast occasionally on Bleacher Report. Broadcasting youth competitions has its own legal framework separate from professional or college competitions, so we assume MLS and potential media partners make all of the required legal clearances on this.</li>
</ul>
<div class="ckeditor-em"><iframe loading="lazy" src="https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A\/\/api.soundcloud.com/tracks/523328451&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true&amp;visual=true" width="100%" height="300" frameborder="no" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>
<div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc; line-break: anywhere; word-break: normal; overflow: hidden; white-space: nowrap; text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif; font-weight: 100;"><a style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" title="World Soccer Talk Podcast" href="https:\/\/soundcloud.com/worldsoccertalk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Soccer Talk Podcast</a> · <a style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" title="TNT/BR interview about Champions League coverage" href="https:\/\/soundcloud.com/worldsoccertalk/tntbr-interview-about-champions-league-coverage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TNT/BR interview about Champions League coverage</a></div>


While FOX or ESPN grab the headlines, WarnerMedia is among the candidates for the next round of MLS rights, and it seems like a good fit.

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