The result may not have been what the Chicago Fire wanted, but Sunday's season opener drew record international ratings.
The Fire-New York City FC match was Sky Sports' highest rated Major League Soccer game ever. It averaged 100,000 viewers and peaked at 200,000. Sky Sports airs in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Most of the appeal to the match likely came from well-known players Andrea Pirlo and David Villa suiting up for the visitors. Either way, the British station received some reward for giving the American league a bit more attention.
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Overall, the match was shown in 140 countries. Ranging from Latin America to the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
Chicago Fire
While the numbers aren't gigantic yet, the slow, gradual growth of MLS both domestically and abroad continues to show.