SPECIAL FOR 05 APRIL 2003: MLS's OPENING DAY!

MLS and WUSA being new expanded TV deals today...

Earlier this week, the MLS and WUSA unveiled new television contracts
that will already take effect as of today. The first matches under
these contracts will air on ESPN 2 and FOX, and that will add to
today's already-scheduled matches from those two leagues on airing on
ABC, FOX EN ESPANOL, and PAX (plus, locally, the Spirit's game has a
tape-delayed broadcast at 10 p.m. on 4, following the Padres).

A minumum of 25 Saturday night MLS matches will be added to FOX's
lineups (some shown in both English and Spanish). FOX SPORTS WORLD
will begin airing matches as of next Saturday, to a U.S. & worldwide
audience.
This is under the new 4-year deal that will also include interview
shows and packaged clip shows.

MLS already has a deal with ABC and its networks to broadcast many
weekend matches: Marquee regular-season matches, as well as the All-
Star weekend and the MLS Cup playoffs and Championship will be shown
on ABC. This has been the case in the past, but more will be
transfered this year from ESPN to ABC, due to their experience with
increased 2002 ratings for the World Cup and the MLS broadcasts that
followed it.

Under this agreement with FOX, they will have rights to all matches
not taken by ABC, and they will also -for the first time- show MLS in
Middle Eastern and South American countires, via FOX SPORTS INT'L.

The WUSA has had a weekly live match shown nationally on PAX since
2001 (WUSA's 1st season), as well as regional live broadcasts on
local outlets (like channel 4 in the case of San Diego's Spirit, who
show all home games live, with replays of away games).
NOW, ESPN 1 & 2 will give additional live exposure by showing 4 WUSA
regular-season matches to be determined, as well as the WUSA All-Star
game and the Founder's Cup (WUSA Championship) Final on August 24 in
San Diego. Playoffs will be shown on PAX and regionally,as in the
past.

Fans, REJOICE!