Beckham's Galaxy debut sets ESPN ratings record

By Paul J. Gough

NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - David Beckham's much-hyped debut with the Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team drew an average of 1.5 million viewers to ESPN, the largest audience for an ESPN telecast involving a Major League Soccer team, according to data issued Tuesday by Nielsen Media Research.

Beckham, struggling with an ankle injury, played for only 16 minutes during Saturday's game against English club Chelsea, but ESPN's telecast was the night's most-watched program among men 18-49 and men 25-54.

ESPN's previous record was for an April 4, 1996, match between DC United and San Jose Clash -- the league's first game -- that averaged 1.1 million viewers. It also was ahead of U.S. Soccer National Team matches, other than the FIFA World Cup tournament.

ESPN is planning several other Los Angeles Galaxy games featuring Beckham, including two each in August and September and one on October 18. All will be on ESPN2.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter