NBC had a slight drop for the MLS Playoffs last weekend despite bigger numbers for the EPL. In other news, Univision hit a four-year high for a Mexico soccer friendly, and the Cup of China delivered the best numbers to-date for this year’s ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating.
MLS Playoffs Down on NBC Despite Bigger EPL Lead-In
- The second leg of the Red Bulls/United MLS playoff series drew a 0.4 final rating and 607,000 viewers on NBC last Saturday, flat in ratings and down 4% in viewership from the first leg of Dynamo/Sporting KC last year (0.4, 637K). The match actually had a stronger lead-in than last year, as NBC’s EPL coverage increased by double-digits. (Wknd. numbers from Sports Business Daily)
Mexico Soccer Friendly Hits 4-Year High on UniMás
- Wednesday’s Mexico/Netherlands international soccer friendly drew 1.2 million viewers on UniMás, the most-watched weekday afternoon friendly on any Univision network since Mexico/Spain in August 2010. The telecast had more viewers than all-but-one EPL telecast this season, trailing only Manchester United/Chelsea last month (1.3M). (Univision)
Cup of China Tops ISU Grand Prix
- The Cup of China, the third event in the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating, drew a 0.7 final rating and 926,000 viewers on NBC last Sunday — up a tick in ratings and 10% in viewership from last year (0.6, 840K) and the highest rated and most-watched event of this year’s ISU GP. Skate America and Skate Canada not only drew smaller audiences, but both declined to the lowest levels since NBC acquired rights. (Wknd. numbers from Sports Business Daily)
