MLS unveiled its 2010 schedule and we thought it worthwhile to take a look at some of the business themes that emerged in the release.

1. National TV: One third of all games will be nationally televised on FSC, ESPN & Telefutura. This includes at least 25 ESPN HD games and 30 FSC HD games.

MLS is set to announce the 2010 schedule. Although "First Kick" and team home openers have been known for a while, the league will finally reveal the dates for all 240 matches. The big reveal will also provide insight into the league's plans for the World Cup break, and show what matches will rate national television exposure.

The Sports Business Journal is reporting that the Philadelphia Union are set to sign a ten year naming rights deal with energy firm PPL Corp. for the new $120 million stadium on the Chester Waterfront. The agreement has been announced at $20 million dollars for the life of the deal and the new facility will be called PPL Park.

A couple of weeks ago started our series on the business of selling MLS and WPS merchandise online. The first post looked at sales through official websites for the leagues and teams. You can view that post here. We then took a look at third party sellers of soccer merchandise. Today, we will take a look at the re-sale market for MLS & WPS merchandise.

The big news in American soccer circles is the announced extension of collective bargaining talks between MLS & the Players Union. Talks have been extended until February 12, 2010. Training camps will go forward as planned. MLS released this statement from Commissioner Don Garber. "While we still have areas of disagreement, the talks have been constructive and both parties believe it makes sense to continue to work hard to reach agreement.

According to the Houston Chronicle, Dynamo President Oliver Luck is in talks with a developer about the construction of a soccer stadium on private land in Southwest Houston. Although the article cites Luck as continuing to affirm his desire to build a stadium on City owned land, the discussions with a private developer represent a significant change from the earlier plan to build in conjunction as part of a Tax Increment Re-Investment Zone.

Last week we took at look at various American soccer charity efforts especially those in Haiti. The charitable efforts of professional sports leagues and teams are typically overlooked by their fans, yet they are an important component of the community outreach programs in which almost all leagues are involved.

Last week we took at look at various American soccer charity efforts especially those in Haiti. The charitable efforts of professional sports leagues and teams are typically overlooked by their fans, yet they are an important component of the community outreach programs in which almost all leagues are involved.

Last week we took at look at various American soccer charity efforts especially those in Haiti. The charitable efforts of professional sports leagues and teams are typically overlooked by their fans, yet they are an important component of the community outreach programs in which almost all leagues are involved.

We are now about two months away from the Philadelphia Union's primetime opener on ESPN2 against Seattle. With a new stadium on the way and an excited base of fans, Philly is set to become American soccer's latest success story. As we did last year, we hope to bring you a series of interviews with MLS marketing professionals to provide insight into how teams seek to promote their brand.

Last week we started our series on the business of selling MLS and WPS merchandise online. The first post looked at sales through official websites for the leagues and teams. You can view that post here. Today, we will take a look at third party sellers of MLS merchandise.

We started with a simple Google search for "soccer jerseys" and the first hit was WorldSoccerShop.

A final agreement has been reached on the Wizards' plan to build a new stadium as part of a $414 million dollar development in Wyandotte County. The deal will be paid for in part by $ 85 million in state money and more than $144 million in STAR bonds. In addition to the stadium, the project will include a new office complex, youth fields.

Every so often, we take a look at American Soccer's charitable efforts. We have looked at MLS W.O.R.K.S, Passback and individual team efforts. With the ongoing crisis in Haiti, the great efforts by Seth Stammler, and the recent appeal of former Red Bull Jozy Altidore for aid to his parents' homeland, we thought it worthwhile to take another look at some of the charitable efforts promoted by MLS and its players.

Sports Business Daily (sister publication to the Sports Business Journal), is reporting that longtime FIFA sponsor Continental Tire has signed with MLS as a league sponsor. The multi-year deal provides signage at all MLS matches, hospitality arrangements at games and commercials on league broadcasts.

As promised, we are providing some analysis of MLS SuperDraft coverage from around the country. Before we get into the ESPN broadcast, a couple of quick notes. First, Philly.com, provided a fairly comprehensive running blog of the draft from the convention center in Philadelphia. Each pick was announced and fans permitted the opportunity to comment.