Some of the biggest news around the English Premier League this summer had nothing to do with players, or even outrageous transfer fees. It was the changing balance of power among the league's broadcasters.

In close succession, ESPN made an aggressive play for a package of Premier League rights and Irish outfit Setanta Sports collapsed, leaving ESPN as Sky's lone remaining competition. But how will ESPN present it? Though ESPN has had experience showing soccer in much of the rest of the world, an interesting story in today's New York Times asks, "So is it time for British soccer fans to prepare for “soccertainment” when the new season begins in mid-August?" Read more...

It’s been just over a week since the United States’ improbable run to the final of the Confederations Cup came to an end at the hands of Brazil, but any excitement around the team has faded with the arrival of the Gold Cup. At least for now.

The biggest reason, of course, is that the U.S. roster has been nearly completely turned over for the Gold Cup, with Bob Bradley giving his regulars a rest and packing the squad with youth. It’s an interesting decision, and an understandable one. Give your best team a chance to play the best in the Confederations Cup. And when your group stage opposition is more Haiti and Honduras than Brazil and Italy, give the youngsters a run out. Read more...

Their pockets heavy from the $131 million sale of Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United seemed in prime position to sign anyone they trained their sights on. And, with holes in the side left by both Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, it seemed like just a matter of time before United pulled a coup or two of their own.

But more and more, the big names on the European transfer market are setting their own sights elsewhere. Karim Benzema and Franck Ribery — both potential United targets — have both said that they wanted to play for Real Madrid.

So on Friday, United took an unexpected course of action. They signed the free agent England forward Michael Owen to a two-year contract. Read more...

Even if the tournament means very little in the grand scheme of things, the Confederations Cup has provided an entertaining two weeks of soccer in the middle of June — which was certainly a pleasant distraction from transfer rumors and the soccer-free boredom of early summer. And, if nothing else, it did certain players and teams a world of good. But a few others may look back and feel they were better off staying home. Here are some of the Cup's winners and losers. Read more...