MLS Chicago Fire FC

FORBES: MLS Records Banner Year in 2016

Published on October 26, 2016 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


Forbes Magazine sports business reporter Mark Burns published on Wednesday a review of Major League Soccer's recent progress in the realms of TV viewership, match attendance, merchandise sales, digital and social engagement and more. MLS Chief Marketing Officer Howard Handler offers insight into his office's growth strategies and the steps being taken at the league and club levels to ensure MLS retains its place in America's mainstream sports conversation.

Excerpt:

According to MLS, 55 percent of its viewership this year was aged 18-49, which is the highest percentage of any North American sports league. As Handler explained, the conversation with network executives at media companies like FOX, ESPN and Univision - all league partners in 2016 - more times than not revolves around that coveted demographic. For MLS to see such a high statistic in its sophomore year with the networks is a sign that "things are definitely clicking," Handler said.

He pointed out that to date, the 2016 season has delivered 25.7 million gross viewership, which is an eight percent uptick from 2015. Additionally, two matches netted a million viewers this season, too.

"It really underscores the success of our big event strategy," said Handler of the gross viewership number. "Big events are very important to us because it connects together our entire universe of partners."

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