ESPN showing a lot of love to Soccer

sickler · 07-22-09, 10:14 AM

Not going to last. With soccer going each half without the clock stopping, there isn't enough advertising spots to sell.

Dark Horse · 07-22-09, 10:15 AM

They're preparing for next year's world cup. Number of viewers and advertising money go together.

Don't you remember the 1994 WC with ads in the corner of the screen during the game? I never ate so many snicker bars in my life.

sickler · 07-22-09, 10:21 AM

Not cool to mess with the screen. Fans can tolerate a sports ticker, but shove the snicker bars and weather updates...

KingRevolver · 07-22-09, 10:23 AM

Originally posted by Dark Horse

They're preparing for next year's world cup. Number of viewers and advertising money go together.

Don't you remember the 1994 WC with ads in the corner of the screen during the game? I never ate so many snicker bars in my life.

Good point.

Jimmy0607 · 07-22-09, 10:23 AM

I remember in the 94 WC they wanted to have a break during the game to throw in some advertisments

sickler · 07-22-09, 10:30 AM

The thing is with something like NASCAR they can break for commercial and other than maybe a crash, you don't really miss much.

What happens if the soccer game is in the 70th minute of a scoreless draw. They break for commercial and when they return there's been a score. Game ends 1-0. The deciding factor was missed in place of a cereal ad.

Jimmy0607 · 07-22-09, 10:32 AM

True , that's why you see ads in jerseys and on the sidelines banners that's the way they make money

pavyracer · 07-22-09, 11:47 AM

Soccer is the most popular sport in the US when there is no football on TV.

flyingillini · 07-22-09, 11:48 AM

I watch soccer daily and it is just as exciting to watch as American Football for me.

ZXCVBNM · 07-22-09, 02:23 PM

Originally posted by sickler

The thing is with something like NASCAR they can break for commercial and other than maybe a crash, you don't really miss much.

What happens if the soccer game is in the 70th minute of a scoreless draw. They break for commercial and when they return there's been a score. Game ends 1-0. The deciding factor was missed in place of a cereal ad.

funny thing is that a british channel got a ridiculous amount of insults and backlash last season for doing the same.

they cut away towards the end of extra time in a super important (huge rivalry match and one of the most important games of the season) cup semifinal game for one commercial (why?) and they scored in those 30 seconds they showed a commercial. it was a huge national story

here is the video, it's brilliant. it literally comes back while they are celebrating.

I think ESPN finally knows whats up with soccer in this country, and that people will tune in if they are sufficiently interested like the two USA vs Spain/Brazil games. Of course they are hyping up the World Cup as well but there is no way a bunch of friendly pre-season matches (but with 80/90K in attendance, mind you) would've been televised on ESPN2 a few years ago.

flyingillini · 07-22-09, 02:41 PM

I like the fact that they are talking more about Soccer. I always have my Directv on channel 619 and 620. Gotta watch those if your into Soccer.

jjgold · 07-22-09, 03:23 PM

Soccer coverage is on the increase in usa, odds it will die somewhat after we lose quick in world cup are high, we have so many fukkin minorities in usa they will always show the euro stuff though.

kmarinouofm · 07-22-09, 04:00 PM

i think in order for the US sports population to really embrace this sport.. we are going to need a better National Product.. MLS however is on the rise, and US Soccer is too.. MLS is starting to get more and more European players.. if the quality of ball increases in MLS.. as it has for team USA soccer.. then Soccer has a real chance in the US... and if Vegas and our online books that service US players get with the program.. it can be glorious... but right now.. we don't get the kind of action European players get on their games, with live betting, team totals, half time lines.... If vegas and the online books put as much time into soccer as they did Football, it would only help the sport here in the USA.. instead now i have 3 accounts at books incase 1 doesn't offer an asian line for a game.. the other book might not even offer the game i want to play.. etc..etc....

sickler · 07-22-09, 04:07 PM

Sports stations may televise more soccer, but to become big time in the US, the major networks (CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX) would have to pick up on it. Don't see it happening.