The MLS…now on Versus?

So, is the MLS trying to drive up the price of their television rights or actually looking to move to a new network?

Apparently, the beginning of the answer to that question has already begun; as the MLS may be looking at a move to the Comcast owned Versus network.

Major League Soccer could be eyeing a move to Versus, as the two sides have begun very early discussions, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the meeting.  Representatives from both sides have met once (though neither MLS Commissioner Don Garber nor Versus chief Jamie Davis were a part of the meeting), with another meeting tentatively planned to take place in the coming weeks.

While the talks are completely in their infancy and no deal is remotely on the table or has been discussed, MLS executives are said to be impressed with the way Versus has treated its coverage of the National Hockey League, which is a banner property for the cable sports network.  Versus often talks of its ability to “super-serve” fans of the sport, and has seen a solid uptick in numbers since its deal to return to DirecTV and into this year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs.

….Sources put Fox’s current layout in the low-to-mid-seven-figure range per year for a package that includes MLS and other soccer games sold by MLS’ prominent Soccer United Marketing. (via Broadcasting & Cable)

The MLS can currently be found on ESPN and the Fox Soccer Channel (a channel I can never find on my television, personally).  The deal with Fox is set to end this year, and apparently a potential deal with Versus would serve as the Fox replacement.  Of course, everyone is aware that interest in soccer, even in America, should increase over the next few weeks, due to the 2010 World Cup…maybe the MLS is just looking to take advantage of the increased demand so as to drive up the price of a television deal?  Or maybe they’re looking to actually switch to Versus due to their “super-serving” ability?

Its kind of hard to figure out what exactly the MLS is looking to do here.  As far as subscriber bases go, the move to Versus would make sense, as they have roughly 65 million subscribers in comparison to FSC’s 35 million.  Of course, a larger subscriber base doesn’t always equate into larger numbers, in part because FSC is hyper focused on soccer (and hence, people go there to watch soccer matches) and its not like the MLS had outstanding ratings on the 100 million subscriber base channel that is ESPN.  Furthermore, as Mark points out over at SportsBiz, even though the NHL’s numbers look decent right now, the sport wasn’t anywhere near as prevalent during the regular season, which could make the MLS leery about the move.

Of course, at the end of the day, it really all comes down to demand.  If American’s want to watch soccer, I’m sure that the MLS will be able to find a deal that pays out decent television rights, and they’ll get proper distribution.  On the other hand, if interest in American soccer stays stagnant, or wanes?

The channel and distribution will be of little importance.
(h/t to )