Major League Soccer is returning to the local broadcast airwaves in Massachusetts as Boston 25 and the New England Revolution have announced a partnership to air select match replays throughout the 2026 season. The agreement ensures that local fans have a free, over-the-air option to catch up on the club’s progress, beginning Monday, May 18, at 11:30 p.m. ET with a replay of the match against Minnesota United FC.
The deal brings a curated selection of eight full-match replays to WFXT-TV, providing a broadcast bridge for viewers who may have missed the live action. While the New England Revolution match replays on Boston 25 offer a local touchpoint, the primary live rights for the league remain centralized under the global partnership with Major League Soccer and Apple TV, which eliminated traditional local blackouts in favor of a streaming-first model.
This broadcasting arrangement arrives at a pivotal moment for soccer in the region. Boston 25 is already positioned as the local English-language home for the FIFA World Cup 26, which will see the United States, Canada, and Mexico co-host the tournament. With Boston serving as one of the host cities, the partnership between the local station and the Revolution aims to capitalize on the heightened visibility of the sport leading up to and during the global event.
The replay schedule is strategically split to accommodate the international calendar. Following the initial May broadcast, the series will pause for two months while the World Cup takes center stage in June and July. Once the league resumes its regular season play in late July, the remaining seven replays will air on Monday nights, maintaining the 11:30 p.m. Time slot.
Bridging the Gap Between Streaming and Broadcast
The shift in how soccer is consumed in North America has been rapid. For several seasons, the New England Revolution have been available live exclusively via the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. While the streaming model provides comprehensive coverage and multi-language commentary, the partnership with Boston 25 restores a level of linear television accessibility that has historically been a staple for local sports fans.
For those who prefer traditional media or lack high-speed streaming access, these Monday night broadcasts serve as a community record of the team’s campaign. In addition to the television replays, the club continues to maintain a robust radio presence, with live coverage provided by 98.5 The Sports Hub (WBZ-FM), Rumba 97.7 FM for Spanish-speaking audiences during home games, and WBIX 1260 AM Nossa Radio USA for Portuguese speakers.
This multi-platform approach is essential for a club that draws from a diverse demographic across New England. By layering over-the-air television on top of digital subscriptions and terrestrial radio, the Revolution are maximizing their reach during a year when soccer’s popularity in the U.S. Is expected to reach an all-time high.
Current Standings and the Road to November
The timing of the broadcast deal coincides with a strong run of form for the Revolution. The club currently sits third in the MLS Eastern Conference standings, placing them in a prime position for a deep playoff push. With 10 regular-season games remaining after the World Cup hiatus, every match carries significant weight in the race for seeding.
The season’s narrative will culminate in a high-profile home finale at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. On Sunday, November 1, the Revolution will host Inter Miami CF, a matchup that has become one of the most anticipated fixtures in the league. This home finale will serve as the capstone of the Boston 25 partnership, with the replay airing on Monday, November 2.
The full replay schedule for the 2026 season is detailed below:
| Opponent | Original Match Date | Boston 25 Replay Date | Replay Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| vs. Minnesota United FC | May 16 | May 18 | 11:30 p.m. |
| vs. Atlanta United FC | July 25 | July 27 | 11:30 p.m. |
| vs. New York City FC | Aug. 23 | Aug. 24 | 11:30 p.m. |
| vs. Orlando City SC | Sept. 19 | Sept. 21 | 11:30 p.m. |
| at Real Salt Lake | Sept. 26 | Sept. 28 | 11:30 p.m. |
| vs. Seattle Sounders FC | Oct. 10 | Oct. 12 | 11:30 p.m. |
| at Philadelphia Union | Oct. 24 | Oct. 26 | 11:30 p.m. |
| vs. Inter Miami CF | Nov. 1 | Nov. 2 | 11:30 p.m. |
A Legacy of New England Soccer
The New England Revolution enter the 2026 season as one of the most storied franchises in the league. Founded in 1996 as one of the original ten clubs of Major League Soccer, the team has been operated by the Kraft family for three decades. Over that span, the club has established itself as a perennial contender in the East, claiming five Eastern Conference championships.
Among the club’s most significant achievements is the 2021 Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the team with the best overall regular-season record. The Revolution have also found success in knockout competitions, winning the 2007 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and the 2008 North American SuperLiga. These milestones have built a loyal fanbase centered around Gillette Stadium and the club’s sophisticated training infrastructure in Foxborough.
The club’s commitment to growth extends beyond the first team. The Revolution Academy and Revolution II (competing in MLS NEXT Pro) provide a structured pathway for young talent to ascend to the professional ranks, ensuring that the pipeline of New England-based athletes remains strong as the sport continues to evolve in the United States.
As the league prepares for the World Cup break, the focus for the Revolution remains on maintaining their top-three position in the East. The intersection of local broadcast availability and the global spotlight of 2026 provides a unique opportunity for the club to expand its footprint in the Boston market.
The next major milestone for the club will be the resumption of the MLS regular season in July, following the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 26. Fans can look forward to the first post-break replay on July 27, featuring the match against Atlanta United FC.
Do you think local broadcast replays help grow the game, or is streaming the only way forward? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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