Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Charlatan
I had no idea that LA had a soccer team let alone one that could afford $250 million.
I am very interested to see how this goes if for no other reason than a desire to soccer grow professionally in North America. Though, if Pele couldn't do it, I don't know who can.
From what I've been reading and what I've seen, Beckham isn't the greatest player ever or even the greatest player of his generation. What he is is an above average player with great marketing. And quite frankly, marketing is just what soccer needs in North America. If he can achieve similar things to what Gretzky did for hockey in the US then Beckham has done his job.
I also found it kind of funny that the manager who made this all happen was Simon Fuller (the "bad guy" on American Idol, also the manager of the Spice Girls). Only in LA.
|
Well, first off, when Pele came to the New York Cosmos it was huge. They sold out every game at home and away. The problem with the NASL was A) financial mismanagement and B) they didn't keep the ball rolling.
The MSL has been very, very well managed and I see this as fitting in with the grand strategy.
As for Beckham, no, he's not the best player of his generation, but he is much more than "an above average player". He'd be in a top XI team of his era, no doubt. And he speaks English - unlike other candidates like Zidane, Figo, Ronaldo, et al.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Halx
the $250 mil isn't in salary, its also in endorsement deals too.
I personally believe this will fall flat. It'll look bad and very embarassing. Not as bad as the XFL, but.. ya..
The US is not interested in soccer.
|
While I agree the US is behind the times on football, it will eventually take over the US as it has the rest of the world and will work its way into the national culture on a professional level as it already has among amateurs and kids.