MLS Fans More Mobile, Tech-Savvy Compared To Other Pro Leagues

Around 52% of MLS fans who have expressed strong interest in attending live events and viewing games on TV over the past year are between the ages of 18-34, representing the highest percentage of any pro U.S. league, according to data from Nielsen Media. MLS fans also are more likely to be smartphone owners, with 76% of MLS fans owning one (Android- or iOS-based) compared to 66% of the general U.S. population. Some 42% of MLS fans said they viewed mobile video during a given 30-day period in Q3 ’13, which compares to only 21% nationally. Meanwhile, avid MLS fans are 13% more likely than the average U.S. adult to engage in social networking and 28% more likely to spend three or more hours per day on social networking sites.

WHO’S A FAN? MLS’ biggest age demo (34%) falls between the ages of 35-54, compared to 27% for ages 55+ and 26% for 18-34 (Nielsen).