Major League Lacrosse Secure Broadcast Deal with CBS Sports

Major League Lacrosse (MLL) has signed a major broadcast deal with the CBS Sports Network to air 14 nationally televised games in 2012, each shown live on CBS Sports Network.

Founded in 1999 MLL had its inaugural regular season in 2001 and has added two more teams to its current six to come into the league in 2012.

In a statement released by the MLL, Commissioner David Gross said: “We are extremely excited to add CBS Sports Network as a television partner. Having 14 live nationally telecast games on the network is a tremendous step forward for the growth of MLL and for lacrosse in general.

“Our hope is that through this agreement with CBS Sports Network, MLL will expose sports fans to not only the fastest growing sport in the country, but the fastest sport on two-feet. Additionally, our loyal fans have been campaigning for more nationally televised games and we’re happy to announce that our partnership with CBS Sports Network will bring the total number of live, nationally televised games to 20 in 2012.”

Ross Molloy, vice president of CBS Sports Network, added: “We are thrilled to partner with the MLL, adding to our already robust lineup of lacrosse programming. Lacrosse has long been a staple on our Network and we look forward to showcasing the world’s best lacrosse players while further increasing the national visibility of the sport.”

In addition to the 14 games, CBSSN will also air all 18 episodes of “Inside the MLL,” the league’s 30-minute magazine show. The show, produced by the league, provides fans with an inside look at MLL’s teams, players and coaches. Each week the show will feature special guests and provide analysis prior to each game. It will also include behind-the-scenes video.

Announcers for the package of games should be selected by January. Gross indicated that the announcers could come from CBS and/or from talent that the league has worked with before.