It looks like there is actually a done deal now. Chelsea v. Hull will be on ESPN2 tomorrow morning, 7:45 ET. A tip of the hat to EPL Talk who had the rumor first.
It does not appear that there has been a formal press release, but ESPNEWS has the Chelsea v. Hull match appear on the screen as being shown on ESPN2. Additionally, Soccernet.com has it listed in the upper right corner under the “Soccer on TV” box. It does not appear that the TV guides on cable boxes have been updated however.
UF is awaiting comment from ESPN regarding the deal and whether it is just for this match or for more matches.
UPDATE: Jozy Altidore will not be available for the match. He is still in the US sorting out work permit issues.
UPDATE II: ESPN has confirmed the deal releasing the schedule through September, shown below. All times eastern.
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Sat., Aug. 15
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7:40 a.m.
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Chelsea vs. Hull City
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ESPN2
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Sat., Aug. 22
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9:55 a.m.
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Wigan Athletic vs. Manchester United
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ESPN2
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Mon., Aug. 24
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2:55 p.m.
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Liverpool vs. Aston Villa
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ESPN2
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Sat., Aug. 29
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7:40 a.m.
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Chelsea vs . Burnley
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ESPN2
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Sat., Sept. 12
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9:55 a.m.
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Liverpool vs. Burnley
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ESPN2
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Sat., Sept. 19
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7:40 a.m.
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Burnley vs. Sunderland
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ESPN2
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Sat., Sept. 26
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7:40 a.m.
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Portsmouth vs. Everton
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ESPN2
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Mon., Sept. 28
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2:55 p.m.
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Manchester City vs. West Ham
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ESPN2
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please please please please please be in HD. I just wish it was someone other than Chelski.
Oh joy, can’t wait for the WWL to treat the PL like a red-headed step-child.
“Julie Foudy here for English Soccer on ESPN!”
What horrible wrath have you all wrought?
1) Props for EPL Talk for getting this right. I wasn’t sure I ever believed them, but as someone said, when it comes to EPL rights in the US, EPL Talk is usually right…
2) I’m sure even ESPN has seen every poll telling every broadcaster who’s asked to go with the international feed instead of their own talking heads. Oh, wait, its ESPN. Damned f**king details always screw up everything…F**kin’ Hell, I’m waking up to Lalas in a broom closet tomorrow. Well, at least G-d created the mute button…
Well, I can say this makes me very happy.
Although very happy, I can only wonder what happens when EPL games get better ratings than MLS. Will ESPN drop MLS? I have a feeling Don Garber just felt a chill down his spine.
ESPN sure likes Burnley.
English announcers – HD – perfect. Haven’t gotten to half-time yet, but this is great. ESPN doesn’t get in their own way for once.
@Hadley: Agreed and agreed. Even thought it was Spartak London and Phil Brown, the game looked phenomenal and ESPN did nothing to f**k it up.