Fox has successfully purchased the rights to broadcast the English Premier League matches in the US, broadcast rights that used to be owned by Setanta.  Although rumors and speculation had originally been around the thought that Fox would purchase Setanta, the result showed otherwise.  The most tangible result of this broadcast rights purchase is the announced plans by Fox to launch Fox Soccer Plus (including HD) on March 1, 2010.  The channel will have rights to broadcast not only English Premier League matches, but also football matches from the FA Cup, Serie A, and Champions League.

I'm exicted to hear about this new channel, as there's been a glut in the last few days in the US.  Originally, we could watch EPL on FoxSoccer, ESPN or Setanta.  Setanta US's broadcast rights in the US terminated the end of 2009, and with the exception of a couple of matches they've received rights to broadcast, the channel is falling back on rugby as well as assorted English Championship matches.  Fox Soccer Plus will not only fill this void, but my hope is that it will surpass it not only in match quantity, but quality as the announcement from Fox stated that it would release an HD version of the channel, along with the HD version of Fox Soccer.

What is important now for all fans of soccer in the US, but especially in Austin and Central Texas, is to contact your  provider to ask for both Fox Soccer Plus and Fox Soccer Plus HD.  To do this, visit the Fox Soccer Plus website.  I've done it, and it takes only a few minutes.  UPDATE :: I heard from Austin Time Warner, who said these negotiations are made at a corporate level, with franchises having the say in whether they put on menu.  I've asked for a contact to get in touch with corporate, and will let everyone know when I get it.

I'm really excited about this.  With the announcement of the USL/NASL league for 2010 last Thursday, this continues the good news for the week.  And yes, including Landon Donovan's brilliant assist in a 2-2 draw at The Emirates, in his first match during his time at Everton.

With the World Cup now 149 days away, the USSF Division II league schedule starting to form, and the availability of quality football on television, it's a good time to be a football fan in the US.