MLS Game of the Week

MLS Game of the Week was the weekly presentation of Major League Soccer games on ESPN2.

MLS Game of the Week
StarringAdrian Healey
Taylor Twellman
Max Bretos
Alexi Lalas
Kasey Keller
Country of originUnited States
Production
Running time2 hours (2.5 hours select games)
Release
Original networkESPN2 (2009–2022)
Original release2009 (2009) –
2022 (2022)

History

Following the 2008 season, ESPN discontinued MLS Primetime Thursday, citing lagging ratings[1] and hoping to find better lead-in programming. It was replaced by the MLS Game of the Week, which rotates among a variety of nights and time slots.[2]

ESPN left all MLS televising duties after the 2022 MLS season, of which games are mainly shown via streaming on MLS Season Pass.[3]

Ratings

Ratings have largely remained steady if stagnant despite the move from the regular time slot. Viewership averaged 299,000 per broadcast in 2009, up from 253,000 in 2008;[4] however, it dipped to 253,000 in 2010 before rebounding to 291,000 in 2011[5] with some matches (having been moved to ESPN as opposed to ESPN2) drawing over 600,000 viewers.

Personalities

Play-by-play announcers

Analysts
  • John Harkes – lead color commentator (2009–2011)
  • Kyle Martino – secondary color commentator (2009–2010)
  • Taylor Twellman – secondary color commentator (2011), lead color commentator (2012–2022)
  • Brian Dunseth – secondary color commentator (2013–2022)

Sideline reporter

Studio team

See also

References
  1. "ESPN dumps MLS Primetime Thursday". 19 January 2009.
  2. "ESPN Making Changes to MLS Broadcasts".
  3. "Univision out of MLS regular-season and playoff TV broadcasts amid new Apple deal".
  4. "MLS viewership up 15% on ESPN2". 29 October 2009.
  5. "Sports Business Journal".
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