Major League Soccer (MLS)
US Digest | Delaware ushers in new sports betting era
In this week's US sports industry round-up: Delaware ushers in new sports betting era; United 2026 bid outscores 'high risk' Morocco; and the New York Yankees win scheduling battle with ESPN.
MLS forms tech venture to target youth market
Major League Soccer (MLS) has forged a strategic partnership with R/GA Ventures, the investment and innovation arm of the R/GA agency, in a move that will seek to identify groundbreaking technologies that will drive continued growth of the North American league’s fanbase.
Commisso pulls $500m offer to USSF due to “conflicted” board members
New York Cosmos owner Rocco Commisso has withdrawn his offer of $500m funds for a revived North American Soccer League after the US Soccer Federation refused to meet his demands.
US Digest | NBA Finals tickets are cheapest in four years
In this week's US sports industry round-up: NBA Finals tickets are cheapest in four years; FC Cincinnati to join MLS in 2019; and Twin Cities 'netted $370m from Super Bowl'
NASL seeks Concacaf support in USSF battle
The North American Soccer League has written to Concacaf members outside the US seeking support in its quest to resume operations in the United States.
US Digest | Tepper wins race to take over Carolina Panthers
In this week's US sports industry round-up: Tepper wins race to take over Carolina Panthers; Supreme Court rules in favour of sports betting; and NBA play-off ratings continue to soar.
NASL antitrust case moves on
The North American Soccer League’s antitrust lawsuit against the United States Soccer Federation and Major League Soccer has proceeded towards the discovery phase after the defendants declined to file a motion to dismiss.
US Digest | MLB aims to establish long-term relationship with London
In this week's US sports industry round-up: MLB aims to establish long-term relationship with London; United 2026 offers financial and diplomatic assurances; and Manning considers joining Panthers ownership group
US Digest | Khan wants Wembley Stadium to host Super Bowl
In this week's US sports industry round-up: Khan wants Wembley Stadium to host Super Bowl; NFL Draft draws record TV ratings; and Trump interference threatens USA-led World Cup bid
Streaming success | How Real Salt Lake and a Utah TV station created ground-breaking OTT deal
SportBusiness International spoke to Real Salt Lake's Trey Fitz-Gerald and KSL's Tanya Vea about an innovative partnership that has led to the MLS team's matches being live-streamed without them being shown on network TV.
Cosmos owner makes U.S. Soccer $500m investment offer
New York Cosmos owner Rocco Commisso has offered U.S. Soccer a $500m (€408.8m) investment, if the federation makes certain changes to its running of the game.
US Digest | Fox to cover World Cup mainly from LA studio
In this week's US sports industry round-up: Fox to cover World Cup mainly from LA studio; United 2026 appears to benefit from Morocco malaise; and NBA 'one-and-done' rule is on the way out
US Digest | Philadelphia 76ers rise to third in NBA merchandise sales
In this week's US sports industry round-up: Philadelphia 76ers rise to third in NBA merchandise sales; G League players get long-overdue pay rises; and advertisers told to expect stronger Thursday Night Football
US Digest | ESPN Plus adds boxing and soccer content
In this week's US sports industry round-up: ESPN Plus adds boxing and soccer content; race to buy Carolina Panthers enters final stretch; and Fifa inspects North American World Cup bid
USSF files to dismiss NASL suit
The US Soccer Federation has filed a motion in New York State Court to dismiss the lawsuit brought by the North American Soccer League against most of its board of directors.
US Digest | Anheuser-Busch launches incentive-based sponsorship program
In this week's US sports industry round-up: Anheuser-Busch launches incentive-based sponsorship program; ESPN+ to launch on April 12; and Concacaf president paid more than Uefa and Fifa counterparts
US Digest | Turner Sports joins crowded, competitive OTT arena
In this week's US sports industry round-up: Turner Sports joins crowded, competitive OTT arena; NBA to offer fans fourth-quarter live streaming; and MetLife Stadium proposed for 2026 World Cup final
Martino calls on Fifa to push for US promotion-relegation
Kyle Martino, one of the losing candidates in the US Soccer presidential race, has called for Fifa to require promotion-relegation in the US as a condition of hosting the 2026 World Cup.