Bacon ’00 named VP at MLS network

Seth Bacon ’00 has been named senior vice president of media for Major League Soccer (MLS) and Soccer United Marketing, according to a press release issued July 1 by MLS.

Bacon, who received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Television Production at Emerson, will begin his new role July 21. He previously worked for NASCAR and Fox Sports.

Here is text of the MLS announcement:

“Major League Soccer announced [July 1] that Seth Bacon has been named Senior Vice President, Media, a new position at MLS and Soccer United Marketing. In his new role, Bacon will be responsible for developing and executing the direction of the League’s media properties and will oversee the distribution of content and programming on international, national and regional levels through advanced multi-media-platform channels.

“As one of Bacon’s first priorities, he will work closely with Larry Tiscornia, Vice President of Broadcasting, to integrate the new television and media rights partnerships with ESPN, Fox Sports and Univision Deportes. The landmark television agreements, which were announced earlier this year, are eight-year partnerships to televise MLS and U.S. Soccer matches in the United States through the end of 2022.

“‘Seth’s experience in broadcast and content distribution and knowledge of partnership integration will play a key role in growing the fan base of MLS and elevating the overall profile of the League throughout the world,’ said Gary Stevenson, President and Managing Director of MLS Business Ventures. ‘Seth’s fresh approach will help lead a very important part of our business during this exciting time of growth.’

“Bacon brings nearly 15 years of broadcast experience to MLS and SUM and most recently served as Managing Director, Broadcasting for NASCAR, where he was a core member of the team that negotiated the sport’s recent multimedia rights agreements. “During his 11 years with NASCAR, Bacon managed and maximized relationships and sponsorship opportunities with broadcast partners, developed the organization’s first Hispanic broadcast partnership and helped implement co-branded marketing campaigns for NASCAR and network partners. He was also instrumental in renewing NASCAR’s international business with more than 30 broadcast partners and also played an important role in negotiations with ESPN during the launch of Watch ESPN and NASCAR RaceBuddy digital products. 

“Bacon also has a background in broadcast production, as he was responsible for all production and programming of NASCAR broadcasts outside the U.S. Before joining NASCAR, Bacon served as an Associate Producer at Fox Sports Net where he was a member of the original production team that launched Best Damn Sports Show Period.

“‘I’m excited to begin this new chapter in my career and play a part in the League’s continued growth and expansion,’ said Bacon. ‘I’m honored for the opportunity to join MLS and SUM at a time when the profile of the League and the sport of soccer is at an all-time high.’

“A graduate of Emerson College, Bacon will join MLS and SUM on July 21.”