MLS has purchased the English-language television rights in the United States for the next two FIFA World Cups (Japan/Korea 2002 and Germany 2006) from the Kirch Group, and will produce, package and sell the programming. The arrangement also includes the English-language domestic television rights to the 2003 Women’s World Cup to be held in China. Also announced today is an agreement with the ABC and ESPN Networks to be the broadcast home for these the World Cup tournaments and the 2002-2006 MLS seasons. “This is a landmark agreement that combines the most valuable soccer programming in America, the World Cup and Major League Soccer,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said. “This arrangement provides the opportunity for cross-marketing, promotion, sales integration and strategic scheduling. It also allows us to strategically integrate Major League Soccer and its players with the most watched soccer programming on English-language television in America.” A new company has been formed by MLS investors to manage sales, service and broadcast production for the World Cup properties. Additionally, the new company has purchased the MLS broadcast and sponsorship rights through 2006. To date, Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), The Hunt Sports Group and Dentsu, Inc. will participate as investors with new investors expected to be added in the future. The soon to be named company will be headed by MLS Commissioner Garber, in addition to his responsibilities as Major League Soccer’s chief executive. ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 will combine to present live coverage of all 2002 World Cup games. ESPN and ESPN2 will re-air at least 9 of the live telecasts later in the day. A minimum of 9 will air on ABC Sports, including the live telecast of the title match from Yokohama, Japan, Sunday, June 30 at 7 a.m. ET. MLS’s network broadcast schedule will feature an increase in games shown on ABC, with a minimum of three matches per season during the five-year agreement. The 2002 MLS season will include the MLS Cup, the MLS All-Star Game and an opening weekend match televised live on ABC. Other matches will be determined. In addition, 26 MLS matches will be televised on ESPN2 during the 2002 season. The “Soccer Saturday” theme returns with 22 Saturday afternoon matches at 4 p.m. ET. The additional four MLS games will be broadcast on Thursday evenings in primetime on ESPN2.