Posted: Monday January 21, 2002 12:00 AM

Atlanta, Jan. 21, 2002 -- The Women's United Soccer Association will expand its international footprint with the addition of Canadian television network WTSN to the league's global television roster, it was announced today by WUSA Vice President of Television and New Media Kerry Tatlock and WTSN Senior Vice President Sue Prestedge. The agreement is for one year with an option for a second season in 2003.
WTSN, the world's first 24-hour network dedicated to covering women's sports, will broadcast 28 games during the league's second season. WTSN expects to air 25 live games, including playoff and championship matches, and will have the right to air repeat broadcasts of each match up to three times. In addition, as a lead-in to the 2002 season, WTSN will air replays of the two 2001 semifinal playoff games (New York @ San Jose and Philadelphia @ Atlanta) and WUSA Founder's Cup I (San Jose vs. Atlanta from Foxboro Stadium).

The WUSA matches will be carried without commercial breaks in action except as formatted within halftime. Among the highlights of the WTSN package are the first match of the 2002 season, the 2002 WUSA Playoff Semifinals, and WUSA Founder's Cup II, the league's championship game. The balance of games will be a blend of nationally-televised matches in the United States from PAX TV -- as well as regionally televised games -- mainly focusing on Canadian national team star and Atlanta Beat forward Charmaine Hooper, the WUSA's third-leading scorer in 2001.

"Our agreement with WTSN provides the league with additional exposure in a country where soccer continues to grow in popularity," said Tatlock. "With players from 18 different countries, the WUSA features top stars from around the world, and international distribution allows us to showcase these athletes in their home countries and continue to attract the world's best."

In addition to its 25 WUSA games this season, WTSN's soccer programming also includes Direct Kicks for Chicks -- a 30-minute fun-filled soccer show focusing on tips, skills and drills, highlights of soccer camps, and interviews with athletes. Hosted by Helen Strombous, a former member of Canada's national team, and Scott Granville, Direct Kicks for Chicks will air in conjunction with the soccer season.

"WTSN is dedicated to showcasing live sporting events that feature strong and talented female athletes," said Prestedge. "The WUSA is a well-respected and highly competitive league that has the best female soccer players in North America. WTSN's ongoing commitment to women's soccer is strengthened by our new-found partnership with the WUSA."

WUSA games were aired internationally on China Central Television and in New Zealand on TelstraSaturn during the league's inaugural season in 2001.

WTSN is owned by NetStar's TSN, part of the CTV, Inc. family. CTV is a division of Bell Globemedia, which also owns The Globe and Mail, Globe Interactive, and Sympatico-Lycos. For more information on WTSN, please check out the network's web site at http://www.wtsn.ca/.