There are a few reasons why MLS TV viewership is soaring. One of them is that ABC televised five games this season – the most MLS matches on the broadcast network since 1998 – and delivered an average audience of 507,000 viewers. Last year, three ABC matches averaged 318,000 viewers, marking a 63% increase.
ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 are on track to deliver Major League Soccer's most-watched season since 2000, boasting 358,000 average viewers up to date. The average to beat is 378,000, recorded by the same three English-language networks averaged in 2000.
Top-five MLS matches on ABC and ESPN networks in 2021
- ABC – Portland Timbers 1-2 Seattle Sounders (Sunday, May 9) – 660,000 Viewers (P2+)
- ABC – Inter Miami 1-1 Atlanta United (Sunday, May 9) – 557,000 Viewers (P2+)
- ESPN – Atlanta United 2-2 Philadelphia Union (Sunday, June 10) – 546,000 Viewers (P2+)
- ESPN – LAFC 1-1 Seattle Sounders (Saturday, April 24) – 499,000 Viewers (P2+)
- ABC – Inter Miami 2-3 LA Galaxy (Sunday, April 18) – 482,000 Viewers (P2+)
Top moments of Heineken Rivalry Week
How are views not going to be up when the league consistently produces moments like these:
LAFC's Brian Rodriguez solo goal against LA Galaxy
OH MY BRIAN RODRIGUEZ JUST DID THAT #LAFCvLA // Heineken #RivalryWeek pic.twitter.com/8MR8z5bWmc
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 29, 2021
USMNT prospect Ricardo Pepi reaches 10 goals this season
HYPE TRAIN DON'T STOP @Ricardo_Pepi9 with his 10th goal on the year!#ATXvDAL // Heineken #RivalryWeek pic.twitter.com/ia3Q2AzylM
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 30, 2021
Another signature Lucas Zelarayan free kick
ZELARAYAN OFF THE SET PIECE! #CLBvCIN // Heineken #RivalryWeek pic.twitter.com/yGwVCebAcj
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 27, 2021
Timber's Felipe Mora sinks rivals Seattle
Felipe Mora seals it in stoppage time!#SEAvPOR // Heineken #RivalryWeek pic.twitter.com/XebZ0xq7Is
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 30, 2021
Sweet hit by El Tico Ronald Matarrita
A quick response from @FCCincinnati! What a finish from Matarrita!#CLBvCIN // Heineken #RivalryWeek pic.twitter.com/O33hON4Von
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 27, 2021