WRDQ To Carry Orlando Lions Soccer

Major League Soccer’s Orlando City Lions today announced a multi-year local broadcast partnership with Cox Media’s independent WRDQ. The station will become the team’s exclusive English-language broadcast home. Financial terms have not been disclosed.

Cox Media Group and the team are also working together to create a TV broadcast network to air Lions matches in other markets throughout Florida.

As per the terms of the agreement, WRDQ has the rights to telecast all of the Lions’ non-nationally televised regular season and playoff matches. In addition, the match broadcasts will be expanded to feature new 30-minute pregame and postgame shows.

WRDQ will also debut a dedicated weekly Orlando City Lions show with player features and behind-the-scenes access. This exclusive access will carry across to Eyewitness News on WRDQ and co-owned WFTV in the form of special Lions segments, highlights and interviews. Additionally, there will be extensive cross-promotions on the two stations.

WFTV-WRDQ VP-GM Paul Curran said: “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. “

WRDQ will begin its broadcast season with the Lions’ MLS home opener against Real Salt Lake at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on Sunday, March 6.