COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew SC today announced a one-year television broadcast contract extension with local broadcast stations The CW Columbus, ABC-6, FOX-28 and MyTV Columbus for the 2018 Major League Soccer season.
The extension continues a partnership that began with an initial two-year deal signed ahead of the 2016 season. Complete 2018 broadcast details, including channel assignments and broadcast partners, will be made available at a later date.
“The CW Columbus, ABC-6, FOX-28 and MyTV Columbus have each played an integral role in expanding the broadcast footprint of Columbus Crew SC to 100 percent of all television households in Central Ohio” said Crew SC President of Business Operations Andy Loughnane. “The ability to broadcast Crew SC matches over-the-air remains an organizational priority and we look forward to continuing this important partnership in 2018.”
“We are proud to continue our partnership with Columbus Crew SC and making matches available to all their supporters throughout Central Ohio,” said Tony D’Angelo, General Manager of CW Columbus, FOX-28, and ABC-6. “We strive to find local programming that resonates with our viewers and have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with Crew SC that we hope will continue for years to come.”
This year, Columbus viewers have had access to all 32 regionally televised 2017 Crew SC matches via simulcast on local broadcast channels, with the majority of the contests airing live and in HD on The CW Columbus. Crew SC has also appeared on the Columbus ABC affiliate (WSYX ABC-6), on the Columbus FOX affiliate (WTTE FOX-28) and on MyTV Columbus (WSYX-6.2).
Columbus Crew SC has officially clinched a spot in the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs, returning to the postseason for the third time in four seasons under Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter.
With two regular-season contests remaining, Crew SC is assured of finishing no lower than sixth place in the Eastern Conference by virtue of its win against D.C. United at MAPFRE Stadium on September 30. The win against D.C. United was the Black & Gold’s 12th regular-season home victory of 2017, setting a new club record for most regular-season wins at home.
Final postseason seeding will be determined in the coming weeks as the Black & Gold (15-12-5, 50 points) conclude the regular season along with all other MLS clubs.
Up next, Crew SC travels to take on Orlando City SC at Orlando City Stadium on Sunday, October 15, and in the regular-season finale on October 22 at New York City SC.
