NASL confirms CBS television deal, releases 12-match schedule

On Thursday, the North American Soccer League announced another television deal, this time, introducing CBS as a partner. The league has confirmed that CBS Sports Network will televise 12 matches during the fall season, though as expected, none of those 12 will feature the New York Cosmos, who have an exclusive deal with ONE World Sports.

The full slate of CBS Sports Network matches is as follows:

Saturday, July 2 - Rayo OKC vs. FC Edmonton

Wednesday, July 13 - Rayo OKC vs. Puerto Rico FC

Saturday, July 16 - Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Puerto Rico FC

Friday, July 22 - Carolina RailHawks vs. Miami FC

Wednesday, July 27 - Rayo OKC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies

Wednesday, August 3 - Indy Eleven vs. Jacksonville Armada FC

Wednesday, August 17 - Jacksonville Armada FC vs. Fort Lauderdale Strikers

Wednesday, August 31 - Fort Lauderdale Strikers vs. Minnesota United FC

Wednesday, Sept. 14 - Miami FC vs. Carolina RailHawks

Wednesday, Sept. 28 - Jacksonville Armada FC vs. FC Edmonton

Wednesday, Oct. 12 - Jacksonville Armada FC vs. Miami FC

Sunday, Oct. 30 - Jacksonville Armada FC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies

For those not old enough to remember, when Pele debuted for the Cosmos in 1975, CBS televised the match and drew absolutely massive viewership. NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson was more than happy to point that past relationship out when announcing the agreement:

"The NASL returning to the CBS family is an incredible story for everyone who enjoys the great game of soccer in North America. The great soccer history and legacy of the NASL was first captured on CBS, and now decades later, we have partnered with CBS Sports Network to write a new chapter together."

While I'd anticipate considerably smaller audiences than Pele's debut, with any luck, the NASL will flourish on CBSSN.