As the last and final European soccer league that FOX Sports has the rights to in the United States, the German Bundesliga is unfortunately on the receiving end of FOX’s declining interest in the global game.
Sure, FOX Sports still have the rights to FIFA World Cup tournaments, Gold Cup and Major League Soccer, but if the match doesn’t have the words FIFA, MLS or SUM attached to it, there’s a noticeable decline in attention. The ‘why’ is difficult to ascertain. They’ve long given up on trying to appeal to the passionate soccer audience. In this case, the logical explanation is to follow the money. And with the Gold Cup and MLS, all roads lead to the FIFA World Cup and the enormous potential to generate massive sums of advertising dollars (if the US teams qualify). Anything outside of the FIFA/MLS/SUM triad is simply not a priority for the executives at FOX Sports.
Take, for example, their exclusive English-language U.S. rights to the Bundesliga, which is a prize possession that returns this weekend. Any other sports network would be salivating at the prospect of broadcasting live action. After all, sports is gold right now.
Instead of showcasing the games on the over-the-air FOX broadcast network, we were dismayed to learn that FOX decided to broadcast the games across FS1, FS2 and FOX Soccer Plus. Then this week we discovered that FOX Sports will use the world-feed this weekend instead of featuring their own studio talent and commentators. That means no pre-game show. No analysis from FOX’s American soccer talent to put the games into context for the casual sports viewers who might stumble across the channel. No Keith Costigan and Ian Joy commentating the games.
Apparently, FOX Sports see these games as simply fulfilling its contractual obligation. (Not surprisingly, the Bundesliga decided to switch their broadcaster partner for next season to ESPN+, and the Bundesliga CEO has publicly stated his disappointment with FOX’s commitment level to the league).
There’s no doubt that finances are stretched at FOX Sports given the declining ad revenue as a result of the COVID-19 coronavirus. On top of that, in the first quarter of 2020, the loss of live sports among cable and satellite providers fueled an overall drop of 1.8 million pay-TV subscribers — the biggest drop on record. The numbers for Q2 (April, May and June) are expected to be even worse.
SEE MORE: Schedule of Bundesliga games on live TV and streaming
The lack of live sports is the key factor in driving the number of people cutting the cord. And when consumers cut the cord, that means a dramatic decrease in the subscriber fees that TV networks receive from cable and satellite companies.
So with subscribers cutting the cord and ad revenue dropping, you would expect FOX Sports to come out fighting and put their best effort into broadcasting these games. Call in the big shots like John Strong to commentate a game. Have their studio talent analyze the game from their home studios. Heck, do something.
Despite financial difficulties, it should be mentioned that FOX Sports are utilizing their talent to broadcast a weekly soccer news and discussion show via remote broadcasts from the homes of Stu Holden, Rob Stone and Alexi Lalas. FOX Sports are putting more effort into that show (FOX Indoor Soccer) than they’re putting into actual live sports. (Meanwhile, TV ratings for FOX Indoor Soccer have been abysmal).
FOX has raised the white flag and given up. With no games on the FOX network and no talent being involved, FOX Sports will simply flip the switch and use the world-feed direct from the Bundesliga which means promo reels at halftime instead of highlights and discussion.
FOX’s lack of effort is a kick in the teeth to the Bundesliga who have poured enormous amounts of time, money and resources trying to break into the American market including opening up an office in New York City. You have to wonder where the Bundesliga would be now if they had a better, smarter TV broadcaster. After all, this is one of the best leagues in the world. While not perfect, the Bundesliga has the foundation to appeal to American audiences. And with the league having a head start on playing again, now would have been the ideal time for FOX to make more of an effort instead of “mailing it in.”
SEE MORE: Beginner’s guide to the Bundesliga
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Azer
June 27, 2020 at 12:21 pm
Fox Sports Bundesliga coverage wraps up today but Fox’s contract won’t end until the relegation playoffs which they have the rights to. The relegation playoffs are scheduled for July 2nd & July 6th first & second leg.
John
June 27, 2020 at 6:05 pm
I’m sure the relegation playoffs will be on Fox Soccer Plus!
Sheamus
June 27, 2020 at 6:48 am
FS1 and FS2 on regular TV is a whole lot better than ESPN+ on extra pay. Means I won’t get to see any more Bundesliga. I will not pay four-letter for additional programming.
John
May 19, 2020 at 12:11 pm
I enjoyed the 3 matches I watched and thought the world feed was better.
whit waltman
May 17, 2020 at 3:44 pm
I can’t and won’t go back to ESPN+ unless they and MLS change the blackout policy. I live in NW Vermont, closer to Montreal than Foxborough, but can’t watch Revs games on ESPN+. If I have to buy a streaming service like YouTube TV or Fubo to get NBCSN Boston, I will–but I’m sure as hell not paying for ESPN+ when they’re forcing me to do that in the first place just to watch home matches of the team I support.
Edward
May 17, 2020 at 11:30 am
Diehards will actually prefer no Fox Sports presence and just global feed. Fox Sports personalities have been lightweights. Sorry to disagree (although not showing any matches on Fox network is a poor move).
jstrummer
May 17, 2020 at 9:45 am
Another kick in the teeth next week with FS1/FS2 only showing 7 of the 9 matches.
Allan Lindh
May 16, 2020 at 8:18 pm
What a lot of hot air. The “World Feed” is almost always superior to the Fox stable of broadcasters and color. The “World Feed” guys usually know a lot about the game, and they are there to help us watch it, like who’s got the ball for instance. Fox broadcasters usually just blither on, explaining why the coach is an idiot, why they are so smart etc. I thought the broadcast of Dortmund – Schalke was excellent, except that Schalke forgot to show up and Giovanni Reyna didn’t start after all.
cm asia
May 16, 2020 at 3:02 am
A whole lot of people who cannot even spell Bundesliga will tune in just to see what live sport with no fans looks like. For about 20 minutes…
Sorry, Christopher…I can’t blame Fox for not spending an extra nickel on a lame duck property even if it is the only sport available. Advertisers will advertise, No one is tuning in to see Lalas.
And I’ll take the world feed any day over the entire lot of Fox idiots.
Finally, you may not have noticed, FS1 is starting coverage at 9:20 EDT, 10 minutes before kickoff. Hope it’s the world feed pre-game.
Monte Reed
May 16, 2020 at 8:50 am
I can’t spell Bundesliga…………
and I seldom watch it……….
But I plan to watch today because it is on and I’m praying that they do not pipe in crowd noise cause that will make the match seem fake and put it on par with all of these E-sports that I refuse to watch.
Richard Steele
May 15, 2020 at 10:03 pm
Fox has always been a dog when it comes to broadcasting world football. As a long time supporter of the game, I was pleased when the Premier League contract went to NBC. I’m doubly pleased that ESPN+ will broadcast the Bundesliga next season. In truth, the current pandemic crisis will likely escalate the transition of live sports from linear TV services to OTT services. Fine. As for Fox, I was always conflicted watching the network, given their bizarre news division. The Bundesliga deserves a better platform than America’s fourth network.
Ben
May 15, 2020 at 7:33 pm
I just want this to be over so I can get access to EVERY GAME NEXT SEASON through my ESPN+ app. Some of you clowns still crying over $5 a month. Feel sorry for you..
Chronos
May 15, 2020 at 7:56 pm
Not every game. One will be on an ESPN channel. Still a great deal.
Christopher Harris
May 15, 2020 at 8:04 pm
The last I heard, 4 games per season would be on ESPN television. All others will be on ESPN+.
Leo
May 15, 2020 at 7:16 pm
‘Kick in the teeth’ which you are delighted for sure. If there is someone who hate more Bundesliga than FOX is you Mr. Harris. Stop the hypocrisy.
Alex
May 15, 2020 at 12:59 pm
Christopher drop it man it is what it is.
If you don’t wanna watch it please don’t
not the end of the world.
best regards
John
May 15, 2020 at 12:20 pm
Well, I can’t speak for Chris, but I did cancel ESPN+ until last Saturday’s UFC. So I saved 2 months.
Barry
May 15, 2020 at 10:21 am
I got a kick out of Chris’ assertion that the lack of live sports is the key factor (not A key factor, THE key factor) in the current massive cord cutting. I would love to see his documentation for that. I’m just spit balling here, but I think maybe that 30 million people filing for unemployment had a little to do with it.
As others have said Chris’ distaste for all things Fox has colored his views. While Fox at least puts multiple Bundesliga games on TV each week ESPN buries Serie A on its digital platform yet it is Fox that draws the brunt of his ire.
Christopher Harris
May 15, 2020 at 10:46 am
Hey Barry, here’s the source:
“The combination of high prices — amid the backdrop of record unemployment — as well as loss of live sports fueled an overall drop of 1.8 million pay-TV subscribers in Q1, per estimates by Wall Street analyst firm MoffettNathanson. That translates into an annual rate of decline of 7.6%, the fastest shrinkage of the sector on record.”
https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/cord-cutting-explodes-q1-pay-tv-worst-losses-1234601796/
Chris
May 14, 2020 at 8:48 pm
At this point any footy regardless of particular channel is fine with me. Also, on a side note, I also prefer the world feed commentary. Overall, nothing for me to be terribly disappointed in with this news.
Bram Weiser
May 14, 2020 at 2:17 pm
Chris (& others),
I think that part of your analysis is backwards on this issue…
I don’t think it’s so much that (a) Fox isn’t devoting enough energy to airing Bundesliga matches widely, therefore (b) a disappointed Bundesliga switches to ESPN+ next year.
Instead, I think, for this weekend’s matches, it’s more the opposite, as some others have said in this thread — (a) Bundesliga matches will shift in months(!) to ESPN+, therefore (b) why should Fox go overboard now in promoting them and airing them widely?
Your original point, above, isn’t so far-fetched, and Bundesliga disappointment in Fox might well be a legitimate beef on their part, but I think that Fox’s decisions regarding this weekend’s matches are more about not wanting to over-extend for a lame-duck property.
Thanks,
Bram Weiser
Kenneth A Heller
May 14, 2020 at 12:19 pm
I am DESTROYED by the manner in which FOX are handling the Bundesliga. They’ve lost the rights to the Bundesliga and their current handling of the German Liga is unprofessional and insulting.
Actually, I should be happy this weekend: the commentating will be the world feed, with much much better play by play voices. The Americans don’t know much about the players or the Bundesliga. Now, if I can hear Alan Fountain or Toby Charles on one of the games, I’ll be VERY happy.
Sadly, next season I will be stuck watching the Bundesliga games on my laptop. Es ist eine Schande.
Azer
May 14, 2020 at 10:26 pm
Toby Charles has not been associated with the Bundesliga since the 1980’s or 1990’s. Alan Fountain left the league a couple of years ago. He was my favorite commentator. I emailed the Bundesliga asked about him, received a reply saying he’s no longer in the commentary pool, didn’t say why.
Ivan
May 14, 2020 at 10:38 am
Hey, football on tv beats the paywall of ESPN +…I for one look forward to tuning in to Fox Sports1 and 2 to watch me some Bundesliga this weekend!!! Ruhr derby to start us off!!!
While I understand the narrative of “streaming is the future, you have to pay to watch, hide everything behind a paywall, this is not a free product, blah-blah”, there are still millions of old school folks, including my dad, who turn on the sports channels available on his local cable station to catch on his life sports.
Going behind an online pay platform is an awful business decision for the Bundesliga if they really care about growing the brand. Next season, Bundesliga is gone for tv viewers in the US…out of sight, out of mind.
Monte Reed
May 14, 2020 at 11:36 am
Cable TV is a paywall. I have to pay to watch Fox Sports 1 & 2. $5 a month is a far cheaper paywall to pay and it offers a lot more matches to watch. If beIN Sports and TUDN go behind a paywall, why would I need to pay Fubo $70.00 a month or Spectrum $120 a month?
Ian
May 17, 2020 at 12:22 am
FULL AGREE HERE.
I love my ESPN+
Penny
May 14, 2020 at 9:51 am
I have to say, I like watching Bundesliga better than EPL. But I’ve been watching a ton more EPL simply because it’s more readily available. As soon as there’s a Nascar pre-game, football discussion or college football, it’s impossible for me to watch Bundesliga. And why would I pay money for the extra channel, if I’m already mad at Fox?
Fox had the opportunity to broadcast Bundesliga to the same extent that NBC Universal is broadcasting EPL, and they chose not to do it.
Popularity grows with availability, and Fox did not make Bundesliga available enough to grow it.
Azer
May 14, 2020 at 10:11 pm
Penny, I’m not defending Fox but they didn’t have the same opportunity as NBC Universal. NBC does not have any American Sports that interferers with the Premier League. The NHL is during the afternoon/evening hours. Fox has NASCAR, College basketball & football, Golf, etc. All of it on it’s main channel FS1 which gets them viewers/revenue than Bundesliga coverage. What would NBC Universal do with the EPL if they had NASCAR rights? Think about it.
Jared
May 15, 2020 at 12:53 am
NBC has NASCAR rights but it is only during Summer and early Fall months.
JP
May 15, 2020 at 9:20 am
Yup, NBCSN was/is a wasteland for sports and the reason they can devote so much time promoting EPL. CBS Sport Network in a similar situation now, except in even worse shape (No NHL like ‘Versus’, the channel name before Comcast rebranded as NBC, had).
For that reason there’s hope CBS will make Champions League and even bigger deal here in the US when they take over the contract. That is if they use it to build their weekday afternoon programming on CBS Sports Network around and promote during NFL broadcasts (as NBC does for EPL) and other more mainstream properties on over the air CBS and affiliated cable networks.
eddie
May 15, 2020 at 6:42 pm
Are there any plans for CBS sports coverage before 2021. NASCAR on NBC has until 2024 and I bet they will renew NASCAR and premier league for extension tv deal.
Ray
May 13, 2020 at 11:16 pm
This is it. No other sport for miles. These games should be covered as if was the Olympics. 2 months without live sports and ready to start watching cock fighting.
I’m a bit surprised of the little resources put behind this. As a team manager, a player and a soccer dad, I have loved to have some interest in the restart of sports, like I see the broadcast of simulation baseball. Come on, real action beats computer games all day, everyday.
Azer
May 13, 2020 at 10:18 pm
I wonder if Chris will be critical next season when ”Der Klassiker” rolls around FC Bayern Munchen v Borussia Dortmund and all you can see on the ESPN family of networks is College football or other nonsense. ESPN+ is a hell of a drug.
Jessica
May 13, 2020 at 8:57 pm
I feel as if Fox is trying to give anything “International” the cold treatment due to their political interests at the moment. I think the faster the entire sport of Soccer leaves the Fox empire, the better. I do also agree with Chris!
jstrummer
May 13, 2020 at 4:41 pm
I would comment but so many of you have hit the nail with hammer of the head already, WST whines on Fox for 2 weeks in a row now without much support, especially enjoyed comment about lack of criticism on Espn deal which is so much worse TV wise.
The Auditor
May 13, 2020 at 3:23 pm
Bit of an overstatement. From FOX’ perspective – Bundesliga programming was never meant to be nor will it ever be tentpole content. Its filler. Its amazing it had shoulder programming to begin with. At best, it can be the 4th most-watched league in the US? What does that get FOX ratings-wise and revenue-wise? Given that it is not going to be FOX property going forward after this season, why would FOX bother to put in an effort?
There’s only so much ‘seizing the moment’ they can get out of Bundesliga programming. It didn’t capture a large audience before and its highly, highly unlikely to now. After this season it’ll go and get lost in the ether of ESPN+, barely to be heard from again by serious American fans, and never to heard from again from American casual fans.
cheryl
May 13, 2020 at 2:54 pm
Another vote here for the world feed and preferring those knowledgeable in the German game to take the lead. I don’t need people with American accents to encourage or enhance my excitement for the game. Poor Kate Abdo has been dumbed down having to sit with that lot all these years. Give me a highlight reel any day instead of Lalas yelling or Warren Barton mumbling thru whatever generic statements he gets air time to provide.
I have never had a problem with FS1 or F2 over big Fox, but will be dancing the Schuhplattler when the Bundesliga FINALLY gets to ESPN+!
Lou Burns
May 13, 2020 at 11:17 am
Some validity in the article but it’s always baffled me why you find it so upsetting when they put matches on FS1 or FS2 rather than Fox. What does it matter as long as they are showing than?
Christopher Harris
May 13, 2020 at 11:31 am
How different do you think FOX’s coverage would be if it was MLS reopening their season this weekend instead of the Bundesliga?
Ross
May 13, 2020 at 1:00 pm
It would justifiably be different in the way that BT Sport in the UK covers the continental leagues differently than the Premier League. That’s how everyone around the world does it.
Christopher Harris
May 13, 2020 at 1:20 pm
For this weekend’s Bundesliga coverage, BT Sport in England are showing every match live with presentation and a goals show too, like they do for the Champions League.
They’re making an effort and going above and beyond what they usually do.
The difference is that with this weekend’s Bundesliga action, FOX has no excuses. There’s nothing else on.
MAHLUF
May 13, 2020 at 10:52 am
Hilarious.
Eric
May 13, 2020 at 10:44 am
have to disagree with you on this one. when 3 of the 4 channels are being utilized to show matches, that is a good thing. Using the world feed is also better as those announcers typically know more about the league than the local announcers FOX uses. This weekend we should be celebrating that almost every match is on tv across the league when during most weekends FOX would broadcast Nascar truck racing, Nascar practice, women’s college basketball, or anything else irrelevant!
John
May 13, 2020 at 9:04 am
I disagree here. Have you seen the ESPN and trying to use announcers from home for the Korean baseball games? It is horrible. I’d much rather get the world feed from someone who may actually be in the stadium. Plus, I preferred that when it was used back in the older days.
Yes, Fox doesn’t know how to cover the sport but this situation is unusual.
Also, Fox games that are OTA on SAturday and Sunday mornings could be preempted by affiliates that would rather show other programing like church, cartoons, and the weekly Sunday morning shows.
Monte Reed
May 13, 2020 at 9:26 am
The best argument for World Feed is GOLTV.
The best argument against World Feed is Ray Hudson.
JP
May 13, 2020 at 8:53 am
I usually agree with you Chris, but your hatred towards Fox here isn’t warranted. Airing matches on FS1 and FS2 isn’t a bad thing, it’s sensible. Those are their dedicates sports channels and are in dire need of programming with all sports being shut down. Much more so than over the air Fox and their programming.
As for the lack of studio shows, those aren’t really possible these days without split screens of everyone skyping or whatever from their living rooms. That might work for Fox Indoor Soccer, whatever that is, but could cheapen a real sporting event. If they could get one in studio might help professionalize the look, kind of like what happened for the NFL draft, but probably not worth it for a few minutes of half time coverage.
Also, don’t understand your dislike of world feed commentary. I prefer it most of the time, get annoyed when they shoehorn Mark and Matteo into a ESPN Plus matchup for Serie A to be honest.
Finally, Bundesliga is leaving Fox at the end of this season, why would they poor resources promoting it now right before it goes away to another network. And by the way, when it does go to that other network, all the things you’re complaining about here (world feed, no pregame/HT coverage etc) will only be worse AND the matches won’t be on TV for the casual fan to ‘stumble across’.
Christopher Harris
May 13, 2020 at 8:58 am
JP, it’s not hatred. It’s simply a disappointment in the way that FOX Sports almost always screws up the way that soccer is covered in this country. They don’t know how to cover the sport.
JP
May 13, 2020 at 9:37 am
Ok, but just keep a balanced approach when these problems remain the same for Bundesliga next season when they move.
Same issues for Serie A but you never have scathing articles about them dumping matches at 6AM on ESPNNews while great matchups like Lazio v Inter or something on the same day is streaming only (with world feed and no studio analysis) while a random softball game is on TV does a disservice to Serie A. You get the point.