NBC, MLS cut 3-year TV deal

NBC Sports group has inked a 3-year privileges agreement with Major League Soccer to broadcast 45 MLS games -- and therefore the MLS can also be shedding the package that operates on Fox Soccer Funnel. ESPN systems continues to transport MLS and U.S. matches. Deal includes digital privileges across all platforms for that games within the agreement. Both ESPN's deal and also the new pact expire in 2014.The offer puts the majority of the content about the lately renamed NBC Sports Network (formerly Versus), which NBC now runs in compliance using its acquisition by Versus parent Comcast. Two regular-season games and 2 2010 nfl playoffs is going to be broadcast on NBC proper, as will four Men's National team matches.As the agreement gives NBC a larger share of the market within the lucrative sports programming world, additionally, it enhances the MLS's lot: NBC Sports is within nearly 80 million houses, instead of Fox Soccer's 40 million. Contact Mike Thielman at mike.thielman@variety.com