MLS Reportedly Wants $20 Million A Year From Fox Soccer Channel For Broadcast Rights

Despite continuing to pull disappointing ratings on almost all its national broadcasts, MLS is reportedly seeking a nearly seven-fold increase over their old Fox Soccer Channel agreement. The league wants $20 million a year, according to Sports Business Journal, after receiving $3 million annually from FSC for the rights to broadcast weekly Saturday night games and two non-qualifying United States Men’s National Team games. FSC has already supposedly offered $7 million a year.

At the same time, the league’s expenses are rising. In addition to covering some of the costs for stadiums, the league will also have at least five more Designated Players than it did during the 2007 season. That is money teams are spending above and beyond the salary cap.