One of the big business stories to come out in the last couple of days was the disappointing ratings of the MLS Cup Final. According to multiple reports, the match suffered a 44% decline in its overnight rating. The significant decline can be attributed to a number of factors including the lack of stars, competition from the NFL and a lack of recognizable teams. Whatever the reason, the low rating (the lowest MLS Cup Final rating in more than a decade), must be cause for concern within the league hierarchy. The team’s television deals are at a critical point and the poorly rated final will not help the league’s leverage.
We didn’t comment on the league’s announcement of the executive award winners. Notably, RSL won the team PR Award, a fitting honor for the front office that we believe was the most active and effectinve in the league. As we said when we announced our vote for RSL, the team started in the offseason with a state-wide campaign to bring the championship trophy to all the counties in the State. The team is aggressive (perhaps overly aggressive) on Twitter and has effectively engaged its fans on all levels of social media. The team effectively marketed its Champions League games and drew a huge crowd for the final group stage match. The front office built upon the team’s success from 2009 and managed to keep fans coming and keep the team in front of the local media outlets. RSL’s front office has managed to make the games a destination and continues to improve the fan experience.
PPL Park will host the 2011 Collegiate Rugby Finals. The tournament will be televised on NBC. The game will generate some exposure for the Union and MLS.
In our blog of the Cup Final, we noted the presence of Four Points Sheraton on the sign boards. The company was the offical hotel of the playoffs and the MLS Cup Final.
Posted by Ben Berger 
In 30 minute daily bits, NPR’s broadcast of “Marketplace” provides a great look at national and international business issues. On the most recent broadcast, host Kai Rysdal interviewed Simon Kuper, co-author of “Soccernomics” , a book that explores soccer stats and finances, while looking at the beautiful game through a monetary lens. A transcript and audio file of the interview are 
TV contracts are the financial life blood of professional sports leagues, and MLS is no different. While the League relies on multiple sources of revenue, the ultimate goal is to generate substantial rights fees from television partners. The amount MLS can earn from those rights fees are largely determined by ratings (and the packaging of FIFA properties owned by SUM). MLS fans are keenly interested in the League’s ratings, and The Sports Business Daily has provided some interesting information regarding 2009 ratings,
MLS wrapped up its fourth round with a full slate of Saturday games. The weekend was a mixed-bag at the gate with Seattle, Toronto and Houston drawing well and Columbus, San Jose and Salt Lake City disappointing. Los Angeles posted a solid number, but still below traditional “super classico” norms. All attendances for the week (and month) are 
