Sportsnet signs 3-year deal with Whitecaps

TORONTO — Sportsnet will be home to the Vancouver Whitecaps in their first year in Major League Soccer.

Rogers Sportsnet has signed a new three-year deal to broadcast 21 Vancouver matches this season, more than any other network in Canada. The schedule kicks off with the club’s first MLS road match on Saturday, March 26, when Whitecaps FC battle Philadelphia Union at PPL Park.

In 2012 and 2013, the Whitecaps FC matches on Sportsnet will increase to 24 per season. For the 2011 campaign, Rogers Sportsnet Pacific and Rogers Sportsnet ONE will broadcast 20 of the 21 games, all in high definition. City TV Vancouver will broadcast the only other match on June 4th. Some of the matches will also be seen on the other Sportsnet channels. Broadcast talent will be announced shortly.

“We understand the passion that exists in Canada for soccer,” said Scott Moore, President, Broadcasting, Rogers Media. “We’re happy to usher in a new era of the Whitecaps, as they start their quest for the MLS title. This package solidifies our position as the sports leader in British Columbia.”

“We are delighted to have Rogers Sportsnet as Official Regional Broadcaster for our inaugural season in Major League Soccer,” said Paul Barber, chief executive officer, Whitecaps FC. “Since its inception, Sportsnet has shown an ongoing commitment to soccer, and in particular, Canadian soccer. From their coverage of the Canadian men’s national team to the Nutrilite Canadian Championship and Major League Soccer, we look forward to working with Sportsnet to provide top coverage for all our fans.”

This season represents Whitecaps FC’s first in MLS. The team was founded in 1974 and, in 1979, the club won the North American Soccer League Soccer Bowl championship. From 1987 to 1992, as a member of the Canadian Soccer League, Vancouver won four straight CSL titles. Since 2004, Whitecaps FC have won two United Soccer Leagues First Division championships and two USL W-League championships.