CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Independence unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with WCCB-TV on Thursday afternoon that will see all 24 of the Independence’s Saturday evening games of the 2017 USL regular season aired locally.

The deal, which will see games aired on the Antenna TV Network, represents the first time that Independence games will be broadcast on local television, with the club’s home opener against rival Charleston Battery the first telecast on Saturday, April 1 at 7 p.m. ET.

"With the recent ascension of the USL to Division II in the US Soccer pyramid and the return of our core players from last year’s playoff team, the expectations for our team and league have never been higher," said Independence Chief Operating Officer Michael Behrman. "Local TV coverage plus our move to the Sportsplex at Matthews will greatly increase the presence of Charlotte’s pro soccer team and we are pleased to grow our product for our supporters and sponsors."

“Everyone at WCCB is very excited to partner with the Charlotte Independence and the USL,” said Jim White, VP/General Manager of WCCB-TV and the Antenna network. “We look forward to serving our market in bringing professional soccer to television in 2017.”