RE: MLS the Best Soccer Football League?
Thanks for writing such a well researched and compelling piece
One thing for sure is that US sports know how to put on a show for the spectators so it doesn’t surprise me to see the attendances on the rise. By comparison, there was a report last season that showed that the majority of EPL teams didn’t need to have any fans in their stadium to turn a profit - most revenue is driven by TV deals. That kind of dynamic means that some big clubs aren’t looking after the die hard fans and that can only be to the detriment of English football.
Soccer has been trying to break America for several decades now but I think it’s recent success is due to the organisers realising that the product needs to be right for the US market. Previously it felt like American soccer leagues/teams were trying to replicate European models and that didn’t work.
Is the MLS as good as the top European leagues in terms of players on the pitch or global appeal? No chance but if it’s able to act as a vehicle for greater fan engagement with the sport in the US then that is good news for football as a whole
Thanks so much for your constructive response.
You’ve hit the nail on the head. The MLS has adapted to suit the American sporting landscape and by creating its own identity it’s been able to go from strength to strength.
Yes there are elements that have drawn inspiration but they’ve created a unique experience by blending this in with things truly American. A draft and the franchise model for teams makes it uniquely American.
Interesting about the EPL and it’s treatment of die hard fans. Perhaps that’s why clubs feel compelled to raise ticket prices, knowing that they can afford to offset any drop in crowds.
One thing I’m keen to see is if the MLS will ever have a massive impact on the Men’s USNT in the future. If England’s ongoing trophy drought is something to go by and the impact the EPL has had on the team, perhaps not.