The MLS Cup is just the latest in a litany of championship sporting events making the move from broadcast to cable.
The 2009 MLS Cup will air on ESPN, marking the first time ever the event has aired on cable. Previously, the game aired on ABC. The MLS Cup will take place on Sunday, November 22 at 8:30 PM ET, opposite Sunday Night Football on NBC.
The MLS Cup is in good company. Starting in 2010, the third and final rounds of the British Open will air on cable, and the BCS National Championship Game will move to cable starting in 2011. Additionally, Game 3 and a potential series-clinching Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals will air on Versus starting this season.
The move figures to only drive the ratings for the event even lower. Last year’s MLS Cup drew a mere 0.6/1 final rating on ABC, tied as the lowest rating ever for the event.
Ratings for the MLS Cup.
| Year | Date | Time | Game | Net | Rating |
| 2008 | Sun., 11/23/08 | 3:30 PM | Crew/Red Bulls | ABC | 0.6/1 |
| 2007 | Sun., 11/18/07 | 12:00 PM | Dynamo/Revolution | ABC | 0.8/- |
| 2006 | Sun., 11/12/06 | 3:30 PM | Revolution/Dynamo | ABC | 0.8/2 |
| 2005 | Sun., 11/13/05 | 3:30 PM | Galaxy/Revolution | ABC | 0.8/2 |
| 2004 | Sun., 11/14/04 | 3:30 PM | Wizards/United | ABC | 0.8/2 |
| 2003 | Sun., 11/23/03 | 3:30 PM | Fire/Earthquakes | ABC | 0.6/1 |
| 2002 | Sun., 10/20/02 | 1:30 PM | Revolution/Galaxy | ABC | 0.8/2 |
| 2001 | Sun., 10/21/01 | 12:00 PM | Galaxy/Earthquakes | ABC | 1.0/2 |
| 2000 | Sun., 10/15/00 | 1:30 PM | Fire/Wizards | ABC | 0.7/2 |
| 1999 | Sun., 11/21/99 | 1:30 PM | United/Galaxy | ABC | 0.7/2 |
| 1998 | Sun., 10/25/98 | 4:00 PM | Fire/United | ABC | 1.0/2 |
| 1997 | Sun., 10/26/97 | 3:30 PM | Rapids/United | ABC | 1.4/3 |
| 1996 | Sun., 10/20/96 | 3:30 PM | United/Galaxy | ABC | 1.4/- |
