Ratings and viewership improved for the 2009 MLS Cup.
Real Salt Lake’s victory over the L.A. Galaxy drew a 0.7 U.S. rating and 1.1 million viewers on ESPN November 22, up 17% and 26%, respectively, from a 0.6 and 907,000 for Crew/Red Bulls on ABC last year.
The 0.7 rating is tied as the second-lowest ever for the MLS Cup. Keep in mind the MLS Cup previously aired on broadcast network ABC.
During the decade, the highest rating for the MLS Cup was a 1.0 for the 2001 game between the Galaxy and Earthquakes.
To put the numbers in perspective, the MLS Cup outdrew every single game of the 2009 WNBA Playoffs, and also topped every stage of the 2009 Tour de France. Additionally, the MLS Cup outdrew all but three IRL races on ABC and Versus during the ’09 season.
Ratings for the MLS Cup since ’96
All ratings are U.S. ratings
| Year | Date | Game | Net | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Sun., 11/22/09 | Real Salt Lake/Galaxy | ESPN |
0.7
|
| 2008 | Sun., 11/23/08 | Crew/Red Bulls | ABC |
0.6
|
| 2007 | Sun., 11/18/07 | Dynamo/Revolution | ABC |
0.8
|
| 2006 | Sun., 11/12/06 | Revolution/Dynamo | ABC |
0.8
|
| 2005 | Sun., 11/13/05 | Galaxy/Revolution | ABC |
0.8
|
| 2004 | Sun., 11/14/04 | Wizards/United | ABC |
0.8
|
| 2003 | Sun., 11/23/03 | Fire/Earthquakes | ABC |
0.6
|
| 2002 | Sun., 10/20/02 | Revolution/Galaxy | ABC |
0.8
|
| 2001 | Sun., 10/21/01 | Galaxy/Earthquakes | ABC |
1.0
|
| 2000 | Sun., 10/15/00 | Fire/Wizards | ABC |
0.7
|
| 1999 | Sun., 11/21/99 | United/Galaxy | ABC |
0.7
|
| 1998 | Sun., 10/25/98 | Fire/United | ABC |
1.0
|
| 1997 | Sun., 10/26/97 | Rapids/United | ABC |
1.4
|
| 1996 | Sun., 10/20/96 | United/Galaxy | ABC |
1.4
|
(ESPN)
