beIN Sports Secures Exclusive North American Soccer League Broadcasting Rights

beIN SPORTS announced the acquisition of North American Soccer League (NASL) broadcasting rights for 2016 and 2017. The Network’s league coverage will kick off with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers hosting Miami FC at Lockhart Stadium on April 2, 2016. beIN SPORTS’ coverage of the NASL will be available on both beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS CONNECT, the Network’s streaming service.

“With our new partnership with NASL firmly in place, we’re betting big on North American programming rooted in a growing U.S. fan base,” says Yousef Al-Obaidly, Managing Director of beIN SPORTS. “Featuring some of the country’s top professional soccer talent, this acquisition represents the first time we hold the rights to a domestic soccer league, further showcasing our commitment to providing access to the best sports leagues and events, both here and abroad.”

The NASL is comprised of 12 teams in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico and uses a split-season schedule running from April to early November, with a four-week break in July.

“We’re obviously very excited to announce our new partnership with beIN SPORTS,” says NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson. “Like the NASL, beIN SPORTS has quickly grown in importance and stature across North America. Our savvy pro soccer fans here in North America are watching beIN SPORTS on a regular basis, and now they’ll be able to watch exciting and competitive NASL action every week.”

The New York Cosmos enter the exciting 2016 season as defending champions, and will face additional competition as three new teams make their NASL debut this spring. New teams entering this season include the Oklahoma City-based Rayo OKC, owned by Spanish club Rayo Vallecano, as well as Miami FC, co-owned by Italian soccer legend Paolo Maldini. Puerto Rico FC, owned by NBA New York Knicks player, Carmelo Anthony, is also set to make its debut following the mid-season break.