Mike Koeshartanto

Soccer on U.S. Television in 2017 – Year in Review

As the soccer footprint continues to grow in the U.S., so too do the offerings we’re privy to on American television. I try to avoid sounding like a broken record in our Soccer on TV posts, but the truth of the matter is we’re extremely lucky to have the access we do – in all likelihood the best access globally.

There were over 100 different leagues and competitions on American TV in 2017. Comparatively, in 2016 there were “only” over 80. Whether you’re a fan of MLS, the Premier League, the Argentina Primera DivisiĆ³n, World Cup Qualifying in Africa, or youth tournaments like Prospects Cup, American TV has you covered.

From a month perspective, April was the busiest and December was the slowest. January, April, May, and September each had matches on TV every single day – in 2017 only two months accomplished the same feat.

Each year we try to expand our output and add more depth to the story. Last year we started compiling TV ratings and have included the three most-watched matches across a variety of leagues and competitions. In what shouldn’t come as a surprise, the most-watched game of the year was the U.S. / Mexico World Cup Qualifying match in June. On top of that, you’ll also see (both here and in our monthly graphics) that all things Mexico – FMF, Liga MX – dominate the ratings. The Hispanic audience continues to be a powerful audience in TV-viewing.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead to 2018, the elephant in the room is obviously the FIFA World Cup in Russia, but one major thing to note is the changing of the guard in UEFA Champions League coverage. After airing the 2017-18 Final in late May, FOX will pass the baton to Turner Sports.

2017 Month-by-Month

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Thanks to our friends at World Soccer Talk, Soccer America, Live Soccer TV for their help compiling TV data on a daily basis!

Categories: CONCACAF Gold Cup, Featured, La Liga, Liga MX, Major League Soccer, Premier League, Research, Soccer Marketing, Television Ratings, Thought Leadership, TV Rights, U.S. Soccer, UEFA Champions League