NEW YORK — Major League Soccer is going mainstream in 2012.

In the first year of a three-year deal, the NBC networks will broadcast 41 regular-season MLS matches. NBC's coverage of MLS kicks off with a rematch between 2011 MLS Cup Playoffs Wild Card opponents FC Dallas and New York Red Bulls on the NBC Sports Network, and will include scintillating tilts such as the rematch between 2011 MLS Cup finalists LA Galaxy and Houston Dynamo, the Dynamo's inaugural match of their new BBVA Compass Stadium, a pair of Cascadia Cup matches and a series of I-95 clashes.

In total, NBC will broadcast three regular-season games nationally, while NBC Sports Network will televise 38.