beIN SPORTS acquires broadcasting rights of North American Soccer League for 2016 and 2017

beIN SPORTS announced the acquisition of North American Soccer League (NASL) broadcasting rights for 2016 and 2017. The network’s league coverage will kick off with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers hosting Miami FC at Lockhart Stadium on April 2, 2016. beIN SPORTS’ coverage of the NASL will be available on both beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS CONNECT, the Network’s streaming service.“With our new partnership with NASL firmly in place, we’re betting big on North American programming rooted in a growing U.S. fan base. Featuring some of the country’s top professional soccer talent, this acquisition represents the first time we hold the rights to a domestic soccer league, further showcasing our commitment to providing access to the best sports leagues and events, both here and abroad,” said Yousef Al-Obaidly, managing director of beIN SPORTS. “The NASL is comprised of 12 teams in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico and uses a split-season schedule running from April to early November, with a four-week break in July.“We’re obviously very excited to announce our new partnership with beIN SPORTS. Like the NASL, beIN SPORTS has quickly grown in importance and stature across North America. Our savvy pro soccer fans here in North America are watching beIN SPORTS on a regular basis, and now they’ll be able to watch exciting and competitive NASL action every week,” said NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson.