Sports Media Report
NJ/NY Gotham FC and MSG Networks today jointly announced the renewal of their local broadcast partnership, with expanded coverage of the 2024 Gotham FC Regular Season presented by CarMax. NJ/NY Gotham FC and MSG Networks reinforce their shared commitment to increase visibility, awareness, and reach of matches featuring the reigning National Women’s Soccer League champions.
Nine total games including four home and, for the first time, five away games will be available on MSG Networks’ platforms, including MSG+, MSG’s direct-to-consumer streaming service.
Other “friendly” matches and feature programming will also be available on MSG’s outlets.
“MSG Networks is proud to continue as the local broadcast partner for the league champions, Gotham FC,” said Kevin Marotta, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Content, MSG Networks. “With more games now included as a part of our coverage this season, we are excited to increase accessibility to viewers and fans throughout the tri-state area.”
“With MSG Networks as a continued partner, Gotham FC has the opportunity to televise every match of the season,” said Nan Vogel, Gotham FC Senior Vice President, Partnerships. “Any match not already available on national broadcast will air on MSG Networks, which increases awareness in our market and brings fans ito the stories that showcase the world-class players playing in our backyard.”
MSG coverage of Gotham FC matches will follow the same format from 2023, opening with a pregame show that sets the stage to welcome in viewers before live action kicks off the first half. A halftime show will break down the first 45 minutes of play before the second half begins, and a postgame show after the final whistle will provide a comprehensive recap of the match.
It all kicks off this Sunday, April 14 with Gotham FC’s highly anticipated home opener against the Kansas City Current at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. (6 p.m. ET, MSG).
The star-studded event will spotlight head-to-head matchups both on and off the field, with major elements of fanfare surrounding the club’s first home regular season game since winning the league title. As the team returns to its home turf, fans will witness the official championship banner unveiling and a special ring ceremony for the players.
On the field, reigning FIFA Women’s World Cup champion Esther (Spain) – who scored the championship game-winner – leads a talented Gotham FC roster that became even stronger in the offseason with four major U.S. Women’s National Team signings, including New York native Crystal Dunn, Tierna Davidson, Rose Lavelle, and Emily Sonnet.
Off the field, bragging rights on the line for two NFL Super Champions and MVPs, who each have an ownership stake in opposing sides. Gotham FC co-owner Eli Manning is already calling out KC Current co-owner Patrick Mahomes. The banter started earlier in the week, when Manning posted a video flexing his new NWSL championship ring.
Additional festivities surrounding the match will include the return of global soccer icon and former Gotham FC captain Ali Krieger’s speech to the fans, as well as the the torch lighting ceremony, a tradition that will feature members of the community, Peloton’s Robin Arzon, and Manning participating in the ceremonial lighting of an eight-foot tall torch that ignites with a live flame.
