Serious Discussion: What will it take for MLS to get respectable media coverage in the US?

I’m sure this gets brought up a few times a year but I’m completely flummoxed by the lack of coverage and content around the league and even the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

I understand what’s going against the league:

• Younger League (going through a bit of a glow up)

• US not traditionally a Soccer market

• Media rights through streaming only on Apple TV

• The GAM/TAM/DP crap that slows teams from competing on an international stage

However:

• The league has teams in 21 out of the top 30 US media markets

• Has several of the Sport’s marquee stars (even if aging out)

• Celebrity Ownership Groups

• Big time sponsors

• Many new and impressive stadiums

• popular among the youth

• moving to euro calendar

Yet it seems like ESPN, Fox, NBC just couldn’t be bothered to cover the sport. Even when they do it’s surface level. In my home market of San Diego the major newspaper barely publishes articles. I support the local podcasts and appreciate their coverage, but it’s not enough.

I understand that New Media is the way forward but it’s not pulling its weight currently. It’s not respected enough to pull off great interviews with players, team staff or insiders, when they do it’s fun but again, few and far between.

What needs to happen realistically? Have a bunch of guys poached to Europe? Strong showings in the club World Cup? Open up the pocket books? Media rights deal with ESPN?

Would love to hear your thoughts.