Something will have to give in the television ad-break area before MLS can make the popularity ranks just underneath the NFL and NBA. Media timeouts make those broadcasters happy. It doesn’t quite work so well with soccer.
The networks and U.S. soccer authorities have recognized for years the necessity of making peace in this area.
On the networks’ side, they watch and wring their hands as viewers increasingly tune into soccer games to see if they like it. Just like during the last World Cup, even though it lacked a U.S. entry this time.
ABC News created a soccer FAQ that briefly forgot MLS, USL and other U.