Contract ends 2022 as per normal. We had a short but enlightening discussion on the next contract and what its possible values might be. Based on the numbers bandied around, MLS probably got a sweetheart deal on the last contract. But what I will say without reservation is that it is the opinion of those in the know that soccer is very much the growth sport in the US.
Also PV thinks were only 10 years or so from being a genuinely top flight league. I think that probably has more to do with whats coming out of the academies now a days than it has to do with MLS's ability to attract top flight talent. Basically we have a lot of players who are going to be good, and other leagues' restrictions on foreign players works to our advantage.
Well the networks aren't paying big bucks for the years now but after the 2018 World Cup bump, should we qualify. If we don't, then MLS will not grow as fast.
ESPN and Fox pay $75M a year each. Unitas pays $15M. I can imagine in 2022, another eight year deal if they make it that long will be worth at a minimum $200M a year.