Relationship to expand beyond broadcasting and provide fans with more digital access to the club than ever before
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 24, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence announced today a strategic partnership with Bahakel Sports, a locally owned broadcast company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., and WCCB Charlotte, its flagship station. The union goes beyond broadcasting and is expected to provide Charlotte Independence fans with more digital access to the club, its teams and players than ever before.
“We’re excited to partner with Bahakel Sports and WCCB Charlotte to broadcast our away games to fans in the greater Charlotte region,” explained Charlotte Independence President and COO, Tim Schuldt. “We are working diligently with the station to implement long-form show opportunities and other media projects throughout the season. The strategic relationship has the ability to grow as we continue to expand our sports offerings in Charlotte.”
As the official broadcast partners of the Charlotte Independence, Bahakel Sports and WCCB Charlotte will broadcast all 15 away games for the USL League One team. The matches will be available free of charge on the station’s local WCCB channel. In addition, Bahakel will live stream all six USL W League home games.
Sports has always been special to the Bahakel family. Founder, Cy N. Bahakel, was a key player in the investment group that brought the very first major league franchise to the Queen City – the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets. As such, the company has now aligned with the Charlotte Independence to continue to grow the game of soccer in the Carolinas and showcase the club’s continued efforts on the pitch and in the community.
“Bahakel Sports/WCCB is pleased to join the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club as its official broadcast and streaming partner,” explained Beverly Bahakel, President and CEO of Bahakel Communications. “The growth of soccer in our area, along with the launch of Bahakel Sports makes this partnership a natural fit for us. We look forward to bringing exciting men’s and women’s soccer to fans across our viewing area. We congratulate the Independence for its commitment to soccer lovers in our community and send our best wishes to both teams for a successful season. We cannot wait for the season to get started.”
The Charlotte Independence are scheduled to kickoff their 2022 season on Friday, April 8 at 7:00 PM (ET). The Jacks will host Central Valley Fuego FC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. To view the full schedule and purchase your season tickets, please visit charlotteindependence.com/uslleagueoneschedule.
ABOUT CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE:
The Charlotte Independence professional soccer team joined the United Soccer League (USL) Championship as an expansion team in September 2014. An ownership group led by Jim McPhilliamy, the President & Managing Partner of Major League Lacrosse’s Charlotte Hounds, acquired the USL franchise rights from the Charlotte Eagles. McPhilliamy and his investment group founded Queen City Sports Club with the goal of making Charlotte a better place to live through annual increases in both the quality and quantity of events that are provided for the community.
In the fall of 2018, Queen City Sports Club and the Charlotte Independence signed a 10-year lease to move to American Legion Memorial Stadium following a revitalization of the historic landmark set for the spring of 2021. The Independence is focused on building the profile of the club through culture, community and performance as the team moves to American Legion Memorial Stadium. For details on 2021 Season Memberships, visit https://www.charlotteindependence.com or call 704-206-1515.
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ABOUT BAHAKEL SPORTS:
Bahakel Sports is a streaming network of Bahakel Communications, bringing key sporting events to fans on all our platforms. Bahakel Communications is a media company with radio and television properties. The company was founded in 1947 by Cy N. Bahakel and continues to be privately owned.
