
<p>A deep dive into whether the popularity of soccer is growing or shrinking in the United States at the same time that the English Premier League has cemented its place as <em>THE </em>soccer league in this country. What can LaLiga, MLS, Serie A, Ligue 1, and the Bundesliga do to catch up with the Premier League? We also discuss how the Premier League is close to surpassing the popularity of the most popular soccer league on US television.</p>



<p>Why hasn’t soccer been able to make an impact on the mainstream? We pinpoint what is missing to make the sport more popular in this country, and what that means for the future of soccer in the United States with the 2026 World Cup around the corner.</p>



<p>In addition to these topics, we share what the consensus is about Apple’s deal with Major League Soccer from key executives in the sport at the Soccerex Miami conference.</p>



<p>As the Premier League continues to grow in popularity, does this hurt or help the popularity of the different national teams among soccer fans in the United States?</p>



<h2>Soccer growing or shrinking? Listen to the latest episode</h2>



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<p>Launched in 2006, the World Soccer Talk Podcast is the longest-running podcast on the planet. Every week, we share the latest news about watching soccer on television and streaming, in addition to discussing what we like and dislike and featuring your questions and feedback in our Listener Mailbag segment. Christopher Harris and Kartik Krishnaiyer host the show.</p>



<p>Send in your questions, comments, and feedback via e-mail to web@worldsoccertalk.com, via Twitter (@worldsoccertalk), or&nbsp;via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/worldsoccertalk" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. We’ll read them out on-air in the next episode. Or call our voicemail line and leave a message at 561-247-4625.</p>



<p>Courtesy of World Soccer Talk,&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ultimate-soccer-tv-streaming-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide</a>, which details where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV &amp; streaming.</p>



<p>To find out when soccer games are on, download the free&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2020/12/26/soccer-tv-schedules-app-making-it-easier-to-watch-soccer-games-on-tv/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Soccer TV Schedules App</a>&nbsp;which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/soccer-tv-schedules/id1543713555" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple iOS devices</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.worldsoccertalk.SoccerTV" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Android devices</a>).</p>



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Is soccer growing or shrinking in the USA?

Is soccer growing or shrinking in the United States? We take a deep dive on the topic based on our insights from recent developments.

Is soccer growing or shrinking in the USA? - World Soccer Talk


<p>Apple Senior Vice President Eddy Cue wants <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/">Major League Soccer</a> (MLS) to eventually become the best soccer league in the world. The executive at the mammoth tech company cited the sheer economic power of the United States. He made the claims at the recent Soccerex Miami event.</p>



<p>“When I think of America, it’s the biggest country in the world, the most [powerful] economic country in the world,” stated Cue. “So, when I looked at soccer, people think it’s crazy, but why wouldn’t we have the best soccer league in the world? Why wouldn’t the best players want to play here?” </p>



<p>“When I looked at the 10 years, yeah, in my mind, we got into this because we thought that together, we could build the best soccer league in the world. That’s the goal. That’s the objective. You know, we’re trying to be the best. Otherwise, why do it?”</p>



<h2>Apple executive expects MLS to challenge as the best league with the help of Messi</h2>



<p>Cue went on to acknowledge the leagues currently atop the global charts as the biggest soccer divisions. However, he also emphasized the impact that Lionel Messi has had on MLS so far. The Argentine superstar arrived at <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/inter-miami-tv-schedule/">Inter Miami</a> earlier this summer with much fanfare. Ticket prices and jersey sales initially soared as many caught Messi mania.</p>



<p>Although Miami failed to reach the playoffs this season, the Apple exec is expecting Messi’s effect on soccer here Stateside to continue well into the future. The World Cup winner currently has two more years under contract with the MLS side.</p>



<p>“Obviously, right now there’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a>, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/la-liga-tv-schedule/">La Liga</a>, and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/serie-a-tv-schedule/">Serie A</a> and all that standpoint around, all these different leagues,” continued Cue. “But you’re starting to see this – Messi wanting to come play here says a whole lot. There’s a lot of players that are going to want to come play here and be part of this growth, of this opportunity.” </p>



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<p>“And so, when I go out and look at the 10 years, the way we’re going to measure it is, are we going to be one of the best leagues in the world? That’s success. That’s what we need to be striving for.”</p>



<h2>Recent studies claimed that MLS did not crack the top 25 leagues</h2>



<p>Despite Cue’s comments, MLS has a long way to go to challenge the likes of the Premier League and LaLiga. A <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/study-mls-ranked-29th-most-competitive-soccer-league-in-world-20230125-WST-416694.html">study</a> released earlier in the year ranked MLS as the 29th most competitive soccer league in the world. The analysis was done by sports intelligence agency Twenty-First Group.</p>



<p>While the study was conducted before Messi’s arrival, another review of soccer leagues was released in August. This was, of course, just one month after the Argentine’s arrival to the States. Opta compiled the new list of top soccer leagues in the world and MLS found themselves in a familiar position. The United States-based company claimed that MLS was once again the 29th-best league.</p>



<p>Apple previously agreed a 10-year deal with MLS to become their streaming partner ahead of the 2023 season. There is still plenty of time for the league to grow before the aforementioned deal expires. However, the tech company will be hoping that the league can attract more talent in the upcoming offseason.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231117_WST_470985_MLS-Cup-trophy-1200x675.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="MLS Cup trophy" class="wp-image-471070" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/MLS-Cup-trophy-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/MLS-Cup-trophy-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/MLS-Cup-trophy-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/MLS-Cup-trophy.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Apple needs to look in the mirror</h2>



<p>Part of the challenge for Major League Soccer to become “the best soccer league in the world” is self-induced by Apple. The giants of world football —&nbsp;Premier League, LaLiga, Bundesliga, Serie A, etcetera —&nbsp;generate their largest percentage of revenue from TV deals. With Major League Soccer receiving a minimum guarantee of $250 million per season from Apple for global rights, that’s a tiny drop in the bucket compared to other leagues. For instance, the Premier League receives a total of $4.3 billion per season from its worldwide rights deals.</p>



<p>If Apple is serious about its goal to make MLS the best soccer league in the world, it needs to start by paying MLS considerably more money.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em>.</p>


Apple wants MLS to be the best soccer league in the world

One of Apple's top executives says he wants MLS to become the best soccer league in the world. Apple needs to take a look in the mirror.

ALL POSTS TAGGED "Soccerex Miami"

Leagues: EPL

Is soccer growing or shrinking in the USA?

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Apple wants MLS to be the best soccer league in the world