USA: MLS TV audiences are up 9% in 2013 (Nielsen report)

The MLS (Major League Soccer) had strong viewership during its playoffs, which were up 9% compared to 2012 (320,000 viewers in 2013 against 300,000 in 2012), stated the "2013 Year in Sports Media" report from the Nielsen Company, the leading media and TV ratings auditing agency in the United States, published on 11/02/2014.

When looking at the MLS regular season TV audience, the viewership skewed male (68%), young (40% under 34, 75% under 54) and white (65%). 62% of the viewers have an income over $40,000 (€29,000). 76% of MLS fans own a smartphone, compared to 66% of the general US population.

The United States men's national team continues to draw the largest TV audiences for soccer, drawing over 7m viewers for each of the two CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying matches between the United States and Mexico (26/03/2013 at Azteca Stadium, Mexico, 0-0; 10/09/2013 at Columbus Crew Stadium, Ohio, USA, 2-0).

Overall, the NFL (National Football League, American football) remains the strongest sport on TV in the USA with a 4.8% increase in average viewership for regular season games (17.4m…