50.1 million
Total viewership of the U.S.-Belgium round of 16 match, the largest soccer TV audience in U.S. history.
Why It Matters:
American viewership of the quadrennial FIFA event continues to rise, particularly for matches featuring the U.S. — and Mexico.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
$10,000+
Annual travel soccer cost for American kids, including fees, training, and travel.
Why It Matters:
In most countries, soccer clubs defray the costs for the best talent. In profit-driven U.S. soccer development, the parents are the asset.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
62
Number of Americans among the 100 highest paid male athletes in the world. An additional 13 are non-Americans who play in the NBA, NFL and MLB.
Why It Matters:
The huge paydays in U.S. men’s professional sports continue to make it challenging for men’s soccer to compete for the best young athletes.
Source: sportico.com