MLS’ Red Bulls Back on MSGN

Madison Square Garden Network inked a renewal pact with Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls.

The deal, financial terms of which were not disclosed, calls for MSGN to televise approximately 20 Red Bulls matches per season. The new contract kicks off April 7 at 7 p.m. (EST), with the Red Bulls’ season opener at the Columbus Crew. MSGN will also air the club’s home opener versus FC Dallas from Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., April 15 at 3 p.m.

MSGN has been televising the club’s games -- it was known as the MetroStars until last season -- for the past dozen years.

Former New York Cosmos goal keeper Shep Messing will team up with J.P. Dellacamera -- a veteran of World Cup, UEFA Champions League and MLS contests -- for a sixth consecutive campaign.

“MSG is proud to be the television home of the most local professional-sports teams in our area and to be entering the 13th year of our partnership with the New York Red Bulls. The Red Bulls are indicative of our commitment to providing New York’s diverse sports fans with a variety of compelling programming choices in our unique high-quality fashion,” MSG Media president Mike Bair said in a prepared statement.

“We are excited about the Red Bulls’ ongoing commitment to play a leading role in expanding the public’s interest in Major League Soccer, and we look forward to showcasing their games in a world-class manner as part of an exciting lineup on MSG that represents the heart of New York,” he added.