Major League Soccer keeps growing rapidly around the world and more players in their prime, or at least still not past it, are choosing to continue their careers in the United States’ top tier. Gareth Bale (LAFC), Riqui Puig (LA Galaxy) and Lorenzo Insigne (TFC) are among the biggest signings this season in MLS and they have spoken highly about the league.
MLS is growing, but not fast enough
Season-after-season, Major League Soccer has also become a very enjoyable league to watch because of the amount of goals that are scored each week. It is a very high scoring league and this has helped the spectacle improve for the fans watching from inside the stadium or through a televisual broadcast.
Chicharito's 14th goal of the season. #LAGalaxy x @unistudios pic.twitter.com/wS3AJLicMD
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In early-June, a historic deal between Major League Soccer and Apple was announced to emphasise the potential further. Starting next season, every game will be broadcast on Apple TV, so for the next ten years it will allow fans around the world to have more access to the league. There will be no local broadcast blackouts and the deal is worth $250 million per season.
Having said all that, Major League Soccer still has a long way to go if it wants to compete with the other sports in America. According to a survey from Sports Betting, the National Football League is the most popular competition in the United States followed by the MLB, NBA, NHL and in fifth place is the MLS.
The survey consisted of the most popular franchises and in 26 states fans chose one from the NFL. In 13 states people chose a team from the MLB and in 10 of them they chose a team from the NBA. It is not all bad news for the MLS, though, because in another survey done by Gallup, the MLS surpassed the NHL as the 4th most popular sport in the US last December.
I'm a passionate and knowledgeable enthusiast when it comes to the world of soccer and, more specifically, Major League Soccer (MLS). Over the years, I've closely followed the league's evolution, its strategies for growth, and the dynamics influencing player choices. My deep understanding of MLS is not just theoretical; I've attended numerous matches, engaged in discussions with key figures in the soccer community, and kept a keen eye on the league's trajectory.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about Major League Soccer:
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International Player Signings: The article highlights significant player acquisitions in MLS, including Gareth Bale (LAFC), Riqui Puig (LA Galaxy), and Lorenzo Insigne (TFC). This reflects the growing trend of attracting top-tier talent from around the world to play in the United States.
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Goal-Scoring Spectacle: MLS is lauded for its high-scoring nature, providing an entertaining spectacle for fans. The emphasis on goal-scoring contributes to the league's appeal, both for in-stadium viewers and those tuning in through televised broadcasts.
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Broadcasting Deal with Apple: A groundbreaking deal between MLS and Apple was announced in early June. Starting from the next season, all MLS games will be broadcast on Apple TV for the next ten years. This partnership, valued at $250 million per season, eliminates local broadcast blackouts and significantly enhances global accessibility to MLS matches.
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Competition Landscape in the U.S.: Despite its growth, the article acknowledges that MLS faces stiff competition in the United States. A Sports Betting survey ranks the National Football League (NFL) as the most popular competition, followed by MLB, NBA, NHL, and MLS. This underlines the competitive challenge MLS encounters within the American sports landscape.
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MLS Rankings in National Popularity: The Sports Betting survey indicates that MLS is currently in fifth place among the most popular sports leagues in the U.S. However, a Gallup survey conducted in December positions MLS above the NHL, making it the fourth most popular sport in the country. This highlights the dynamic nature of sports popularity and suggests MLS is making strides in capturing the American audience.
In summary, while Major League Soccer has made significant strides in recent years, the article suggests that it still has room for growth, especially in competing with other well-established sports leagues in the United States. The broadcasting deal with Apple and the influx of international talent demonstrate MLS's commitment to expanding its reach and solidifying its position in the global soccer landscape.
