The tides have turned in US soccer history as the English Premier League surpasses Liga MX to become the most-watched soccer league in the United States. For years, Liga MX reigned supreme, fueled by the large Hispanic population in the country. However, recent data from Nielsen, compiled by World Soccer Talk and sports media analyst Larry Johnson, reveals a drastic shift in viewership trends. The Premier League consistently outperforms Liga MX in both TV and streaming, marking a significant milestone in 2023.
Analyzing the Data
It’s not just one game that demonstrates this change; it’s a long-term shift. The Premier League is not only attracting more viewers, but Liga MX is also experiencing a decline in relative viewership. The Premier League continues to break viewership records, with increased numbers on both NBC and Peacock. The league’s popularity is driven by the diverse range of successful teams and other factors that make it an attractive option for fans. Meanwhile, Liga MX has experienced a sharp decline in viewership this year.
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According to Johnson’s analysis of Univision viewership for Liga MX and the Premier League in 2022 and 2023, Liga MX had an average viewership of around 900,000 in 2022, whereas the Premier League had just shy of 800,000 viewers on NBC or USA Network. However, in 2023, the tables turned. The Premier League maintained relatively stable viewership at around 700,000, while Liga MX plummeted to just over 600,000 viewers on Univision, a 30% decrease.
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Furthermore, Liga MX’s 2023 Apertura witnessed a 12% decrease in viewership compared to 2022, while Premier League viewership increased by 2% on NBC and USA. Last year, Liga MX had extreme highs and lows in viewership that surpassed the Premier League, but the same cannot be said for this year. Liga MX’s peak viewership on Univision reached over 1.4 million in 2022 and decreased to 1.3 million in 2023.
Possible Reasons for Liga MX’s Decline
While it’s challenging to pinpoint a specific reason for Liga MX’s declining viewership, one significant factor could be the competition between Liga MX and MLS in the Leagues Cup. This competition was not well-received by Liga MX fans, to the extent that Liga MX couldn’t sell the rights to the competition in Mexico. Additionally, many Leagues Cup matches involving Liga MX were streamed exclusively behind the MLS Season Pass paywall. This may have upset loyal Liga MX supporters even before the Apertura began.
Similarly, many Liga MX games are only available on the paid streaming service ViX, whereas fans in the US were accustomed to watching most games for free. The introduction of the ViX paywall may have been a deterrent for many fans.
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On the other hand, the Premier League’s availability on various streaming platforms, English TV, and Spanish TV has given American fans ample opportunities to watch matches. This accessibility has contributed to record-breaking viewership figures consistently highlighted by NBC Sports.
FAQs
Q: Is the Premier League now more popular than Liga MX in the United States?
A: Yes, according to recent data, the Premier League has overtaken Liga MX and become the most-watched soccer league in the USA.
Q: Why has Liga MX’s viewership declined?
A: The exact reason is uncertain, but factors such as the fan perception of the competition between Liga MX and MLS, exclusive streaming behind paywalls, and limited availability of Liga MX matches may have contributed to the decline.
Q: How has the Premier League managed to attract more viewers?
A: The Premier League’s availability on streaming platforms, English TV, and Spanish TV in the US has contributed to its increased viewership. The league’s wide range of successful teams also makes it appealing to fans.
Conclusion
The English Premier League has dethroned Liga MX as the most-watched soccer league in the United States. This significant shift in viewership trends highlights the Premier League’s growing popularity and the decline of Liga MX. Factors such as accessibility, diverse team success, and fan perception of rival competitions may have played a role in this transformation. As the Premier League continues to attract a larger audience, it cements its position as the preferred soccer league among American fans.
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