As the United Soccer League (USL) furthers its push to hold its Division 2 status in the U.S. Soccer chain for years to come, the 30-team league announced an intriguing initiative on Wednesday.
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Starting in 2017, USL will debut its own USL Television Network in an attempt for over half the league’s teams to broadcast matches in 17 markets across the United States.
The league is believed to have poured over $10 million into the broadcast production of the USL Television Network, which will show over 300 matches this across USL play.
Among the 17 clubs that will show matches locally this season are FC Cincinnati and Phoenix Rising FC, who recently completed the signing of former Chelsea and Montreal Impact striker Didier Drogba.
Both teams are believed to have aspirations of joining MLS in the future, along with several other of the clubs that will broadcast matches on the USL Television Network.
Below is a list of all the clubs that will take part in USL’s latest project:
Bethlehem Steel FC, Charleston Battery, Charlotte Independence, FC Cincinnati, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, Louisville City FC, Oklahoma City Energy, Ottawa Fury FC, Phoenix Rising FC, Reno 1868 FC, Richmond Kickers, Rochester Rhinos, Sacramento Republic FC, St. Louis FC, San Antonio FC, Tampa Bay Rowdies, Tulsa Roughnecks FC