MLS Primetime Ratings Flat Through June 1

MLS Thursday night games on ESPN2 through June 1 are averaging a 0.2 coverage area rating, flat through the same point last year. Viewership, however, is up 8.1% from the same period. The April 3 Earthquakes-Galaxy match has been the most-viewed to date with 399,000 viewers. By comparison, for 13 telecasts of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons (excludes final match), ESPN2 averaged 326,000 viewers. When the championship match between Manchester United and Chelsea is included, which aired on a Wednesday afternoon, that average jumps to 406,000 viewers for 14 telecasts (THE DAILY).