MLS newcomers sign local TV deals for 2015 debuts
December 23 – MLS expansion team newcomers, New York City FC and Orlando City SC, have secured official local television partners to showcase their inaugural seasons in the league.
Concacaf
New stadia plans passed for Vegas and Washington DC
December 22 – “Soccer-specific” stadiums seem to be spawning all across the US. In the last week D.C. United and Las Vegas both received financial backing from local councils to build their own respective stadiums.
Bahamas scores Caribbean first, winning 2017 Beach Soccer World Cup bid
December 22 – The Bahamas will become the first Caribbean nation to host a senior FIFA tournament when it welcomes the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
2015 Gold Cup US venues unveiled, with a trip north into Canada
December 17 – Hosts USA, Costa Rica and Mexico have all been seeded for the three group stage of the 2015 Gold Cup which will be played across 13 North American cities, including crossing into Canada for the first time.
Gold Cup play off dates set as Pinto returns to light up the touchline
December 16 – Play-in series dates for the final 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup berth between French Guyana and Honduras have been set for March next year. The series will provide a fist test for new Honduran coach Jorge Luis Pinto who achieved fame in the Summer with his stewardship of Costa Rica at the world Cup.
Public vote opens for second annual CONCACAF awards
December 15 – CONCACAF has announced the shortlists of contenders for its second annual awards recognising the achievements of the region’s men and women players, coaches and referees over the past year.
Mexicans may invite MLS teams into Copa MX from 2016
By Mark Baber
December 11 – As the final game of Los Angeles Galaxy legend Landon Donovan highlighted the trans-border interests of soccer fans in Mexico and the US, the football ties between the two countries look like deepening with Liga MX officials saying that they are evaluating the possibility of incorporating Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs into the biannual knock-out Copa MX.
Scotiabank joins the CONCACAF revolution as first official partner
By Paul Nicholson
December 9 – CONCACAF has announced Scotiabank as the first official partner of its revamped sponsorship programme. In an initial four-year deal, the bank will become the title sponsor of the CONCACAF Champions League, the official bank of the confederation, and a main sponsor of the Gold Cup.
Garber tells Beckham to speed up his Miami MLS franchise plans
December 4 – David Beckham has been urged by Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber to start making firm progress over establishing his Miami-based franchise.
Jamaica jammin to CFU success and set for CONCACAF U20 hosting
November 26 – The reggae beat is pounding out through Jamaican football at the moment. At their home tournament the Reggae Boyz triumphed in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Cup with a penalty shoot-out win over long-time rivals Trinidad and Tobago earlier this month. In January, the Jamaicans kick off the CONCACAF football year with the hosting of the U20 Championships.
Watson charged as Caribbean paradise turns into political inferno
By Paul Nicholson
November 21 – Canover Watson, a member of FIFA’s audit committee, has been charged in the Cayman Islands of five corruption and money laundering offenses. The charges were brought by the Royal Cayman Islands Police Anti-Corruption Unit. He will appear in Summary Court next Tuesday.
Etihad add New York connection to City Football Group portfolio
November 17 – New MLS franchise New York City FC, which joins the league in 2015, has announced Etihad Airways as its shirt sponsor. The club has also announced a kit deal with Adidas and will play in the same light blue colour – with the same sponsor – as sister club Manchester City.
Stadium analysis puts D.C. United at heart of regeneration plan
By Ben Nicholson
November 10 – A report has been published in the US detailing a cost-benefit analysis of Washington-based MLS club D.C. United’s proposed soccer specific stadium development. The 406-page report suggests that the benefits will outweigh the costs.
MLS TV viewing figures show rise on 2013, with new TV deal set to kick in
By Ben Nicholson
November 5 – MLS 2014 season TV viewership figures for ESPN show a slight rise from 2013, following the trend of increased attendance figures. However, excepting 2013, each year since 2006 has recorded more viewers than 2014, proving there is still much to do in terms of popularising the MLS on television.
MLS attendances hit new record highs
By Ben Nicholson
November 3 – The MLS has broken its season long attendance record, averaging 19,147 fans per game. Eleven teams saw an increase in attendance figures, whilst eight teams suffered drops in attendance.