NEW YORK, Feb. 04, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MSG Networks Inc. (NYSE:MSGN) and Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls have agreed to a new multi-year rights agreement extension, ensuring that MSG Networks will continue as the exclusive regional telecast home of the Red Bulls.
MSG Networks and the Red Bulls (and its predecessor the MetroStars) have enjoyed a long and mutually-beneficial relationship that dates back 20 years. This past season, the Red Bulls won their second Supporters’ Shield (best record during the MLS regular season) in three seasons and advanced to the Eastern Conference finals for the second consecutive year. Household ratings for the Red Bulls on MSG Networks were the highest in three seasons and were up over 65% from the previous season.
MSG Networks will again feature a robust schedule of Red Bulls games, including six of the first seven games of the season. Overall, MSG Networks is scheduled to telecast at least 17 matches in 2016, including the season opener March 6 vs. Toronto FC from Red Bull Arena. In addition, each game televised on MSG will also be streamed on MSG Networks' authenticated streaming platform, MSG GO.
“MSG Networks and the Red Bulls have enjoyed a long partnership together and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have them return to MSG Networks for their 20th season,” said Andrea Greenberg, president and chief executive officer, MSG Networks. “The team’s popularity is higher than ever and we’re excited to continue to present Red Bulls games on our networks.”
“MSG Networks has been a valued member of our family since the beginning and we are pleased to continue our partnership,” said Marc de Grandpre, General Manager of the New York Red Bulls. “It is a priority for us to continue to provide our fans with the best-in-class live sports production that they have enjoyed for over 20 years.”
About MSG Networks
MSG Networks Inc. is an industry leader with two award-winning regional sports and entertainment networks, MSG Network (MSG) and MSG+, as well as the live streaming and video on demand platform, MSG GO. The networks are home to nine professional sports teams, delivering live games of the New York Knicks; New York Rangers; New York Liberty; New York Islanders; New Jersey Devils; Buffalo Sabres; Major League Soccer’s Red Bulls and the Westchester Knicks, and exclusive non-game coverage of the New York Giants. Each year, the networks collectively telecast approximately 700 live sporting events - which also include college football and college basketball from top conferences - along with a full schedule of critically-acclaimed original programming. The gold standard for regional broadcasting, MSG Networks has won 129 New York Emmy Awards over the past eight years. More information is available at www.msgnetworks.com.
Media Contacts:
Dan Schoenberg, MSG Networks – 212-465-6367 – Dan.Schoenberg@msgnetworks.com
Alyssa Ross, MSG Networks – 212-324-3401 – Alyssa.Ross@msgnetworks.com
Bill Hanousek, MSG Networks – 212-465-6591 – William.Hanousek@msgnetworks.com
Jason Baum, New York Red Bulls – 201-966-6338 – Jason.baum@newyorkredbulls.com