CHICAGO, IL. (Jan. 5, 2022) – The Chicago Red Stars today entered into a new broadcasting partnership with Univision Chicago and The U, WMEU, Channel 48.1 and WCIU, Channel 26.2 that will see the local stations broadcast select Red Stars games during the 2022 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season.
"The Red Stars are thrilled to partner with Weigel Broadcasting Co. and Univision to bring the amazing talents of our world-class players into more Chicagoland homes. Giving this increased access to our fans has been a priority for us, so we are delighted to deliver this to them. These broadcasts will also elevate the club in the eyes of future corporate partners, leading more brands to join us in leveling the playing field for our players," said Vicky Lynch, Chief Business Officer of the Red Stars.
Following the positive reception of Univision Chicago’s broadcast of last season’s Red Stars match against Portland, the Spanish-language media company decided to continue their partnership with the Red Stars into 2022. Understanding the growth and importance of women’s sports, and following the Red Stars’ championship run, Univision Chicago felt it is important to increase their role with the city’s world-class soccer club.
"Univision Chicago is excited and proud to be advancing the partnership we started with the Chicago Red Stars in 2021. Both of our organizations share some common values like Diversity & Inclusion, Women's Empowerment, as well as Children and Family,” said Doug Levy, President & General Manager of Univision Chicago. “We love the way this team plays to win and we are optimistic about our future together. We look forward to working together with the Chicago Red Stars to bring our audiences and our communities some of the most exciting soccer action in Chicago.”
Weigel Broadcasting, the parent company of The U and WCIU CW26, is a champion of women’s sports as shown in their commitment to broadcast Chicago Sky games.
“As a Chicago-based company, we want to extend our commitment to highlighting excellence in women’s sports. We look forward to making Red Stars matches more accessible to fans on over-the-air television,” said Steve Farber, Weigel’s Senior Vice President/Operations.
The exact matches that will be broadcast on The U and on Univision Chicago will be announced following the release of the NWSL’s 2022 season schedule.
The U is seen on The U, WMEU, Channel 48.1 and WCIU, Channel 26.2, XFINITY 230|360, RCN 610, WOW 170, Dish 48, Spectrum Charter 191 and U-Verse 24.
About the Chicago Red Stars
Established in 2007, the Red Stars were a founding member of the former Women’s Professional Soccer and would later become one of the original eight teams to form the National Women’s Soccer League in 2013. The Red Stars have made the playoffs in seven
consecutive years from 2015-2021, while also competing in three championship matches in as many years including the 2019 and 2021 NWSL Championship and the 2020 Challenge Cup championship.
About Univision Communications Inc.
As the leading Spanish-language content and media company in the U.S., Univision Communications Inc. entertains, informs and empowers U.S. Hispanics with news, sports and entertainment content across broadcast and cable television, audio and digital platforms. The Company’s top-rated media portfolio includes the Univision and UniMás broadcast networks, as well as 10 cable networks including Galavisión and TUDN, the No. 1 Spanish-language sports network in the country. Locally, Univision owns or operates 61 television stations in major Hispanic markets across the United States. Additionally, Uforia, the Home of Latin Music, encompasses 58 owned or operated radio stations, a live event series and a robust digital audio footprint. The Company’s prominent digital assets include Univision.com, free AVOD streaming service PrendeTV, Univision Now, the largest Hispanic influencer network, and several top-rated apps. For more information, visit corporate.univision.com.
About Weigel Broadcasting Co.
Weigel Broadcasting Co. is a family-owned media company based in Chicago, Illinois. The company owns and operates national television networks, as well as local broadcast stations throughout the country. Weigel is a leader in the media industry with "MeTV," Memorable Entertainment Television, the number-one rated classic television network, as well as the "Movies!" Network in cooperation with the Fox Television Stations, the "DECADES" Network, the "H&I" Network and the “Start TV” Network in association with the CBS Television Stations. Weigel's local stations include CBS, ABC, The CW, MyNet and Telemundo network affiliates. Weigel and its affiliate companies broadcast network and independent television stations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Houston, Phoenix, Seattle, Denver, St. Louis, Nashville, Salt Lake City, Hartford, Milwaukee, South Bend and Rockford. Weigel is also the creator of the nationally syndicated music format “MeTV FM.” For more information on Weigel, visit: https://www.weigelbroadcasting.com/