Regional collaboration announced: Sounders and Reign team up with Fox 13 Seattle for media coverage
Sound Off, Seattle! Your Favorite Soccer Teams Amplified
Get ready, soccer fans! Seattle's very own NWSL and MLS powerhouses, the Reign and Sounders, have teamed up with Fox 13 Seattle for an epic multiyear partnership. This union promises a top-notch, unified broadcast platform, expanding soccer coverage like you've never seen before.
It's a new era for Seattle soccer, as these clubs – who share the same ownership group beginning June 2024 – will now share the spotlight under one viewing roof with Fox 13. The deal marks a groundbreaking moment for soccer in the city, offering fans a 360-degree soccer experience from the comfort of their homes.
Hugh Weber, President of Business Operations for both the Reign and Sounders, shared his excitement: "This partnership is a monumental moment for soccer in our city. Fans can now follow the world-class athletes of both Reign FC and Sounders FC like never before."
Beginning this weekend, the action starts with the Reign's clash against the Kansas City Current at Lumen Field, now available on Fox 13+ and streamable for free on the Fox Local TV App. Although the Sounders remain under MLS's multiyear partnership with Apple TV for league matches, Fox 13 brings additional covers outside of matches, such as in-season specials and features, keeping the Sounders under the spotlight.
"We are thrilled to become the home of women's and men's soccer during the most exciting time in Seattle's soccer history," said Amber Eikel, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Fox 13 Seattle. "This partnership celebrates our city's passion for soccer, with the women's game thriving and the men's World Cup coming to Seattle next year."
Fox 13 has long been familiar with the Sounders, but this partnership is an innovation for the Reign. Pairing up with KING 5 Media Group in 2024 provided the matchday feed of 11 games, as well as postgame coverage and exclusive interviews, but Fox 13 steps up the game for the 2023 season, offering on-site talent and production for 11 Reign matches.
Kelyn Rowe, a former Sounders midfielder, joins the broadcast crew as a Reign sideline reporter. Steve Schlanger, with extensive experience in various sports broadcasting, will handle play-by-play duties. Laura Schott, a soccer icon, remains the all-time leading scorer for the University of California's women's soccer team, providing rich color commentary.
Expect an onslaught of soccer-centric programming on Fox 13. These exciting additions include:
- Regular player features and community storytelling segments on Seattle's top-rated morning show, "Good Day Seattle."
- "Washington Sports Wrap," featuring weekly updates on both clubs from Fox 13's award-winning talent.
- "Team Vignettes," bite-sized content throughout the season, introducing players and coaches to the city.
- Monthly feature stories showcasing athletes' personal journeys on and off the field.
- The expanding "Weekly Wrap Show," now offering coverage for both Reign FC and Seattle Sounders FC.
- Special programming surrounding key events, such as kit launches, the FIFA men's Club World Cup, and major rivalry matches.
- "Scarves Up!" returns as the monthly Sounders FC and Reign FC magazine show, exclusively produced by the club.
Tune in, Seattle soccer fans! Our city's complete soccer story is now front and center on Fox 13 Seattle. From the FIFA men's Club World Cup in June to the possibility of Lumen hosting the 2031 FIFA Women's World Cup, soccer fans in Western Washington couldn't be more spoiled for choice. Don't miss a moment of Seattle's soccer sensation – Fox 13 is proud to bring you the stories that matter.
[1] NWSL: Seattle Reign FC (https://www.nwslsoccer.com/teams/seattle-reign-fc)[2] MLS: Seattle Sounders FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/clubs/seattle-sounders-fc)[3] Fox 13 Seattle (https://www.fox13seattle.com/)
- The partnership between Seattle's soccer teams, the Reign and Sounders, with Fox 13 Seattle is a momentous occasion, marking the beginning of a unified broadcast platform for soccer in the city.
- The collaboration between these clubs, owned by the same group from June 2024, will give fans an unprecedented 360-degree soccer experience, following the action of both Reign FC and Sounders FC like never before.
- Beginning this weekend, fans can catch the Reign's match against the Kansas City Current on Fox 13+ and the Fox Local TV App, while the Sounders' league matches remain under MLS's multiyear partnership with Apple TV.
- Fox 13 Seattle is stepping up its game for the 2023 season, offering on-site talent and production for 11 Reign matches, in addition to the previously-existing partnership with the Sounders.
- Kelyn Rowe, a former Sounders midfielder, will join the broadcast crew as a Reign sideline reporter, alongside Steve Schlanger, Laura Schott, and other experienced talents.
- Soccer fans in Seattle can look forward to a variety of new soccer-centric programming on Fox 13, including player features, community storytelling segments, weekly updates, team vignettes, and monthly feature stories, among others, with highlights scheduled for the FIFA men's Club World Cup in June and potentially the 2031 FIFA Women's World Cup.
