The Key For Pro/Rel to MLS? TV Revenue
The Key For Pro/Rel to MLS? TV Revenue Promotion and relegation has long been part of the conversation around building a true soccer pyramid in the United States, but without strong and unified broadcast revenue, it simply cannot happen. As Major League Soccer continues to expand, the possibility of pro/rel becomes more realistic, but only if TV partners are fully on board.
Major League Soccer is entering a new phase in its history, and once again, television is at the center of it. The move to a European-style calendar, which is designed to align with the international transfer market and avoid competing with NFL and MLB playoffs, is ultimately about maximizing visibility and broadcast value. The league is trying to grow its audience for marquee games while appealing to both casual viewers and dedicated soccer fans.
MLS has taken a massive step toward this aligned calendar, slated to begin in July 2027. Before that, the league will play a short transitional season, and then continue forward under the current Apple TV deal, which while lucrative, has been clumsy at times. This partnership will be crucial, not only in expanding the league’s reach but also in shaping its long-term structure.
The goal is clear: build a product that television audiences want to watch, especially as Lionel Messi enters the final years of his career. Expansion is another piece of the puzzle, and again, television plays a role. MLS, while still without a fixed timeline, could grow beyond 30 teams, with cities like Detroit, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Sacramento in the mix.
Each new market is not just a soccer decision, but a media one: can it deliver viewership, relevance, and value to broadcasters? One or more of these cities might also serve as a destination for current teams rumored to move like the Vancouver Whitecaps as well. The reality is that MLS has significant room to grow, but growth without television value is meaningless.
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