IndyCar insiders have blamed Versus for the series' poor cable television ratings. However, another niche sport in the United States apparently believes that Versus might just provide the key that will unlock future growth.
According to Broadcasting & Cable, Major League Soccer has initiated preliminary discussions that might lead to a deal with Versus. MLS is apparently impressed with the way that Versus has promoted and increased ratings for the National Hockey League. The package that is the subject of current negotiations airs presently on Fox Soccer Channel.
Major League Soccer is one of few properties that draws fewer U.S. cable viewers than IndyCar. According to Sports Media Watch, the MLS on ESPN2 drew an average of 290,000 viewers per game in 2009. This year's season-opener on ESPN2 drew 285,000 viewers, down 14% from last season.
Some sports that are very popular globally simply do not attract a large audience in the United States.
For proof, we need look no farther than the ManU/Chelsea Premier League match that attracted a whopping 526,000 viewers on ESPN2, a new Premier League record in the United States. That number is in the same ballpark with IndyCar races on Versus.
Culture Matters
In the United States, soccer is a game that is played primarily by suburban school children. In many other nations, the game is both a deep-rooted passion and a very serious business.
Similarly, road and street racing in the United States tends to be great fun for a small niche that likes that sort of thing - the exception being NASCAR Cup at Watkins Glen and Sonoma, the two most popular road races in the United States. Globally, that particular brand of racing is widely considered to be the ultimate test of man and machine.
No racing series can change an entire national culture. Apparently, neither can a professional soccer league. The difference is that racing costs much, much more than soccer. That is why it requires a much larger audience.
MLS might be profitable with an audience of approximately 300,000 U.S. TV viewers. IndyCar enjoys no such luxury.
RoggespierreSource URL: http://free-wallpapers-2.blogspot.com/2010/06/mls-likes-indycar-cable-tv-partner.html
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