MSG, Red Bulls Ink New Deal

If you're at all a hockey fan, you've, no doubt, been privy to the Red Bulls commercials run during breaks in games (I can't speak to Knicks games. I'm not much of a pro basketball fan).

So if the news that the Red Bulls and MSG have re-upped their television deal is any sort of surprise, it's because you assumed a contract was in place already.

Apparently, despite all of MSG's claims that "NY soccer is back," that wasn't the case (officially) until today. According to the Red Bulls' release, it's a multi-year deal that will see MSG produce and broadcast 22 regular games this season.

It appears not much will change from years past, where Steve Cangelosi, one of the better, American broadcasters, will handle play-by-play duties, while Shep Messing returns on color. Tina Cervasio will still serve as the host and sideline reporter. MSG will also air pre- and post-game coverage.

The only question that remains is how the Red Bulls will handle their late-season CONCACAF Champions League games. But like Open Cup games, one would assume they cross that bridge when they come to it.

At any rate, MSG2 will broadcast the Red Bulls' home opener this Saturday against the Vancouver Whitecaps.