Major League Soccer has seen domestic views soar this season, recording their best figures since 2007.
During the 2022 regular season, an average of 343,000 people have tuned in across both ABC and ESPN networks, a 16 percent rise from the 295,000 recorded last year. Disney confirmed it was the most viewed on its networks for 15 years, coming close to 2007’s record average of 357,000 viewers.
The popularity of the MLS is increasing every year, and with the play-offs set to start on Saturday, it's likely that viewers will soar yet again. Apple have already secured a deal to take on the broadcasting rights for the league, and it's come at a great time for the company.
Apple recently agreed a ten-year global rights deal with MLS worth a reported $250million (£223m) per year. The agreement, which begins next season, will see Apple exclusively show all MLS matches globally via the Apple TV streaming platform.
At present, Apple will be the only MLS broadcaster in the United States, but there are talks over ESPN and Fox hosting non-exclusive live matches on standard television. Streaming has been the way forward in the US for some time, with DAZN holding all Premier League rights until FuboTV won the package for the new season.
Fans are also used to using streaming apps for NFL too, although linear broadcasters still air all matches too. American fans will have to subscribe to Apple TV for the next decade if they wish to watch live, which is currently billed at £4.50 a month.
There is also an option to pay for an annual package, costing £45, but Apple have included a new incentive for those attending games. Season-ticket holders will be given a free subscription to the service, with the MLS looking to try and increase attendance figures.
More than 10 million fans attended games in 2022, which is a new record for MLS. The previous record was 8.6 million in 2019, but more and more seats are getting filled. Atlanta United have the best average attendance, with 47,000 fans attending every home game.
For the first time ever MLS had three clubs average over 30,000 fans at every game, with Seattle Sounders and Charlotte FC also remaining popular. It's a huge accomplishment for Charlotte, who only became a franchise in 2019.
They also set a new attendance record, with 74,479 attending their home league debut against Los Angeles Galaxy in March. it ended in defeat, but it was a momentous occasion.
David Bruce, MLS senior vice-president of brand and integrated marketing spoke with excitement about the direction the league is going in, and wants to grow the competition before the 2026 World Cup that's being hosted across North America. Bruce said to Forbes: "I think the world is looking at MLS and is really intrigued by some of the things we’re doing here.
"It’s this creation of our culture, of our version of the global game that proudly exists here in North American and in MLS. It’s all with a view to the 2026 World Cup being here, Canada and Mexico, and the ability to really draft off that incredible moment which will be the biggest sporting event the world’s ever seen at that point.”
