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European soccer leagues open 2026-27 season with strong viewership figures

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 27, 2026, 12:30 PM

Last updated Aug 27, 2026

European soccer leagues open 2026-27 season with strong viewership figures

Summary

European soccer leagues, including La Liga and the Premier League, recorded impressive viewership at the start of the 2026-27 season. La Liga's match between Elche CF and FC Barcelona drew 1 million viewers on ABC, setting a record for English-language broadcasts of La Liga on ESPN's platforms. Meanwhile, the Premier League clash between Brentford and Tottenham averaged 1.2 million viewers, a 16% increase compared to the previous season's corresponding match. These figures follow a successful World Cup this summer, although experts caution against assuming a lasting increase in soccer's popularity in the U.S. as the season continues.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Elche CF vs. FC Barcelona averages 1 million viewers on ABC.
•RCD Espanyol vs. Real Madrid sees 811,000 viewers, the second-most watched on ESPN.
•Brentford-Tottenham match attracts 1.2 million viewers, marking a significant rise.
•Last season's average for La Liga on ESPN was 91,000 viewers.
•Expectations should be tempered regarding long-term popularity post-World Cup.

Latest Updates

12:30 PMYahoo Sports — European soccer leagues post strong opening viewership. Will World Cup bump last?

What they're saying

"
Soccer matches from La Liga and the Premier League posted strong viewership to open the 2026-27 season after a successful World Cup this summer. In La Liga on Sunday, Elche CF vs. FC Barcelona averaged 1 million viewers on ABC. That is the most-watched English-language La Liga match ever on ESPN’s networks. The previous day,…
— Yahoo Sports

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