The USL Championship will be airing the league final (Sunday, November 1, 2020) on ESPN. This was first announced by Grant Wahl. It has since been confirmed by the USL Championship.
According to Wahl the USL Championship Final set to be played on Sunday, November, 1, 2020 will be broadcast on ESPN. This is the first time the league will broadcast a game on ESPN. Previous finals have been broadcasted on ESPN2. All USL Championship games can be watched with a subscription to ESPN+.
“This is a historic way to finish our 10th anniversary season”
USL Executive Vice President Court Jeske – September 23, 2020
I found out about this through USL MEMES on Twitter. The USL Championship has made a statement regarding airing the final on ESPN.
I think this is a step forward for the USL Championship. Having the final on ESPN shows growth for the league and the sport. There are people who did show frustration about the final being on ESPN. Some people are frustrated that the game being on ESPN means that it wont be broadcasted on ESPN+. Games being on the networks of ESPN and not being on ESPN+ has been an issue since ESPN+ was launched. People are paying monthly for ESPN+. For some fans its the only way to watch USL Championship matches with fans not being allowed in stadiums. Putting the final on ESPN will make it harder for fans to watch. On top of paying monthly for ESPN+, fans will have to get some kind of cable or live tv package to watch the final. I understand how this is frustrating. I also see how this can cause a drop in viewership for the final. People who have ESPN+ but not a cable or live tv package probably wont pay just to watch the final if their team isn’t in the final.
On the other hand any issues with the game being on ESPN and not ESPN+ can be solved with watch parties. We are still in a pandemic. State and local COVID-19 restrictions should still be followed. Most states have at least opened bars and restaurants. Most bars and restaurants with tv’s have a cable or live tv package that includes ESPN. Going to a local bar or restaurant while following local restrictions during the time of the match can be a solution to watching the match without having to pay for cable or live tv. Another option would be to go to a friends house who has cable or live tv. Local guidelines on COVID-19 restrictions still have to be followed. If this is an option, it might be a cheaper option than going to a bar or restaurant.
Zac Electrifly 