(Phil Ellsworth/ESPN Images)
Major League Soccer kicked off in 1996. ESPN has continued to provide coverage from the league for 21 consecutive years and is the only media rights partner that has been with the league throughout its existence.
On July 21, 2007, ESPN2 televised soccer superstar David Beckham’s MLS debut with the LA Galaxy versus Chelsea FC. That was ESPN2’s most-watched MLS telecast to date, with more 947,000 fans tuning in.
Saturday’s MLS Special Edition telecast on ESPN will feature defending MLS Cup champions Portland Timbers versus the LA Galaxy at 3:45 p.m. ET.
Also, for the first time, SportsCenter on the Road will originate from the site of a MLS match. Max Bretos and Dianna Russini will co-anchor the program from Portland’s Providence Park, home of the Portland Timbers. For more details, visit ESPN MediaZone.