MLS average attendance higher than NBA and NHL
The new MLS season has gotten off to a strong start with average attendance surpassing that of the NBA and NHL. Here are the numbers, courtesy of MLS Daily:
1. NFL – 67,508.69 (2009 season)
2. MLB – 30,213.37 (2009 season)
3. MLS – 18,452.14 (2010 season, as of 04/11/2010)
4. NBA – 17,149.61 (2009/10 season)
5. NHL – 16,985.31 (2009/10 season)
Some will try and downplay this by saying the league still isn’t making any money, but why kill the good vibe? Fans are starting to pour in and, most importantly, they’re remaining loyal.
The league got off to a poor start, losing $350 million between its inception in 1993 and 2004. It dealt with two failed franchises (Miami and Tampa Bay), and stuck many of its teams in football stadiums. We learned a couple things during those formative years: 1) Florida wants nothing to do with professional soccer, and 2) The game doesn’t look inviting when over half the stadium is empty. Thankfully, the league and team owners wised up, building smaller stadiums and targeting smaller markets for expansion. These decisions have cut away at the massive debt, but the league still has a long way to go.
This is where profit comes into play. With just 16 teams playing 30 games over a full season — with tickets prices that cost significantly less compared to the NBA and NHL — it’s no surprise that revenue isn’t overwhelming. The strong numbers at the season’s onset are a positive sign, but they are slightly deceptive. Obviously, opening day attendance is going to be high, and history has shown they will go down as the season progresses. When considering the NBA or NHL, those leagues have over 50 mores games on their schedule, allowing for greater profits. Also, the majority of MLS games take place on the weekend, making it convenient for a family event when coupled with the low costs. That’s great, but the league doesn’t have the elasticity to raise ticket prices, hold more games during the middle of the week, or add a couple more to the schedule. At least not yet.
How big is the average MLS stadium? Are those stadiums – on average – bigger than NBA and NHL arenas?
I only ask because if they have more seats available to fill, at a lower cost, then it would make sense that MLS games may draw a higher average attendance.
Perhaps a better gauge of the game’s popularity would be % of tickets sold? Just a thought, not trying to pee on MLS cornflakes or anything.
In perception of average European(me)MLS is not great league….That is how I saw this before.And now?Totally opposite!It is fast growing process which I expect it will finish successfully in coming years.Meaning,as a logical outcome,increase of crowds and finally descent profits…I watch MLS on internet from time to time and as former player I can only say.It is going to right direction.I mean all segments of play.The only think that bothers is less people to support in some cities.For instance New England stadium is too big…Or in San Jose and Kansas stadiums are third class.But when Portland joins it will be at least one more spot to celebrate game…In short, conclusions are made(Florida is no plays for soccer!!)financial plan is sound and guys play better and better.It simply must work .My personal wish is that MLS champion has right to play i Euro Champions league!Who knows…maybe in some future.But this would be great for business.
Jonathan Bentz, percentage of tickets sold is not an indicator of popularity. In fact, the number of people that buy tickets/attend and view it on TV is the only indicator, except perhaps brand sales.
Buddy… NBA and NHL play in arenas, MLS plays in the same stadium as NFL or CFL would… you can’t even compare Football, to Basketball and Hockey. Or in this case, Soccer to these two sports.
You are the worst article writer I have ever came cross, and you’re an idiot.
Shut it BJ the numbers don’t lie! Yes basketball and hockey are more popular, but you just can’t dismiss the fact that more people are paying to come and watch soccer. Most MLS teams are now playing in soccer specific stadiums that hold around the same amount of seating available at a NHL or NBA areana!
BJ, the little insecure Baseball fan (waning in popularity) or Hockey fan (still waiting for it’s big break). The majority of MLS teams play in soccer-specific stadiums that average 20-25,000 people (with the exception of Seattle and New England). Soccer is the sporting future of the United States, those who don’t see it, resent it.