Major League Soccer has earned top marks for its diversity as it continues to steadily improve its racial and gender hiring efforts. A study conducted by the University of Central Florida's Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES) awarded MLS a B+/A- for its racial hiring practices and a B grade for gender hiring practices, which rose from a C+.
In addition, it received a stellar A+ for racial diversity among its players and office employees. Diversity among general managers and head coaches still needs improvement as they received a B- and C+, respectively. 
With minorities comprising 51 percent of its league, it's also the first time minorities make up a greater percentage of the MLS than white athletes.

Despite its high marks for the previous categories, the league received a failing grade for senior administration and within its top executives it received a C+. Still, MLS received an A+ for its diversity initiatives and an overall grade of B+, which rose from last year's B. 

TIDES' annual Racial and Gender Report Cards look into the racial and gender compositions within professional and college sports. MLS' report card indicates a continued growth in progress and is the fifth consecutive year that the league set a record in racial diversity among players. 

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(Photo: Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)