ESPN: "Significant Growth" For MLS on Deportes

ESPN is reporting its package of MLS matches on Spanish language ESPN Deportes has experienced “significant growth” for 2009. The package which features a Spanish language telecast of the MLS primetime match shown on ESPN2 in English has seen a huge growth to about 45,000 household viewers and 69,000 total viewers, up approximately 70% from last year.

While ESPN’s English language MLS package is struggling, the Spanish lagnauge package is making major inroads into the viewing audience. Perhaps this is due to the fine efforts of MLS to reach out to the Latino/Hispanic community in the Southwest, Texas and Florida, as well as increased interest in some of the prominent stars the league showcases.

This is very good news for MLS and the growth of the game in this country.