ORLANDO, Fla. – January 6, 2016 – Orlando City SC today announced a multi-year local broadcast partnership whereby Orlando’s WRDQ TV 27, part of the Cox Media Group Orlando TV group including WFTV 9 (ABC), will become the exclusive English-language broadcast home of Orlando City. Financial terms have not been disclosed. Cox Media Group and Orlando City are also working together to create a TV broadcast network to air Lions matches in outer markets throughout Florida.
As per the terms of the agreement, WRDQ TV 27 will gain the rights to telecast all of the Lions’ non-nationally televised Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season and playoff matches. In addition, the match broadcasts will be expanded to feature new 30 minute pregame and postgame shows, designed to provide further insight and analysis into the Lions’ performance each and every game.
WRDQ TV 27 will also debut a dedicated weekly Orlando City show, giving fans an inside look into their favorite Club, with player features and behind-the-scenes access. This exclusive access will carry across to Eyewitness News on WRDQ TV 27 and WFTV Channel 9 in the form of special Orlando City segments, highlights, and interviews. Additionally, there will be extensive cross promotional opportunities on TV 27’s sister station, WFTV ABC 9, the top rated TV station in Central Florida and one of the highest rated ABC affiliates in the United States.
“We are thrilled to partner with WRDQ TV 27 and WFTV 9 to offer our fans even more Orlando City content each and every week of the 2016 season,” said Orlando City Founder and President Phil Rawlins. “The addition of a pre and postgame show will elevate the match broadcast to a higher level for our loyal and discerning fans. We also greatly anticipate the launch of the weekly show, which will allow fans to learn more about the Club, delivering in-depth player profiles and providing behind-the-scenes access like never before. It will also allow us to keep fans informed of our new downtown stadium development, as well as the Orlando Pride and OCB.”
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WFTV/WRDQ Vice President & General Manager Paul Curran is equally excited about the partnership. “This is a wonderful day in the history of WRDQ TV 27 and Cox Orlando. The station was founded on the premise of localism and community service. Adding Orlando City to our programming portfolio is a natural extension of that promise to our viewers as our values match-up perfectly. We welcome the opportunity to join forces with Orlando City and their passionate fan base. We will incorporate all assets of Cox Media Group Orlando to strengthen and build upon the incredibly popular Orlando City brand in Central Florida. We can’t wait for our first broadcast on March 6th.”
WRDQ TV 27 will begin its broadcast season with the Lions’ MLS home opener against Real Salt Lake at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on Sunday, Mar. 6. Additional information on broadcast schedules, on-air talent and the weekly show will be released before the start of the MLS season.
