Mp & Silva Report MLS Growth
International media rights company MP & Silva has reported a 28% rise in the number of countries signing up for media rights to broadcast Major League Soccer (MLS) matches. The latest figures reveal considerable growth in a second successive season with Asia, Central Asia, Caribbean and Eastern European regions becoming major supporters.
As a consequence of increased interest in MLS, MP & Silva also reports the number of broadcast partners has also increased this year from 25 to 46, with global stations ESPN, BeIN Sport, Setanta Africa and Sports 1 now broadcasting the league alongside domestic broadcast partners.
MLS president Mark Abbott commented: ‘The increasing international interest in Major League Soccer is another sign of the growing strength of our League. Through our partnership with MP & Silva, we have increased the distribution of our games outside of North America which has allowed us to showcase our players, stadiums as well as our tremendous supporter’s culture to the world. We invite fans to experience the best of our League as we culminate the season at MLS Cup on December 1.’
Carlo Pozzali, MP & Silva CEO Americas, said: ‘We are delighted to continue working with Major League Soccer, ensuring the international fanbase can follow their favourite teams wherever they are in the world. With 2012 signalling another successive season that there has been an increase in the number of territories covered; 104 countries in 2010, 112 in 2011 and 133 this year, it’s clear that interest in American soccer is growing rapidly.’
