Uncle Si":2120liyd said:
It's not a repeat. Although we are probably saying similar things. I look it at more grass roots, and probably focus on the sport itself more than the league. I don't believe two generations would change the structure, profitability or popularity of the MLS in the US under the model it is in. Nor, apparently, do the people who run it. It is very much reaching its peak. Clued in would see the model changing at base level, understanding its connectivity with the development of the youth system, changing the collegiate game, cooperating with high profile international clubs... not on its current pattern of simply expanding to cities where the game is popular and living of attendance numbers.
A generation of what, exactly, is needed? Many MLS fans think it will just follow its current model, fans will inevitably make the switch and all will be well. But the model the MLS is following has no desire of challenging European leagues for market share or players. And I don't think the MLS sees TV revenue as ever being a necessity to stability or growth, in any generation. Working with and watching the development of now two MLS teams, it is easy to see the focus and long term plans.
Top international players are not coming to the US to play in the MLS. Not 10 years from now. China and Russia are already stealing that market. Top tier US players won't stay unless they believe it helps their career, regardless of the money being offered. Jordan Morris is the exception (a rare, rare exception). And therein likes the dichotomy. You need to develop coaches and structure to develop players to make your product more viable to actually keeping the players you are developing.
That's why i find the "euro snob" comment so hypocritical. Fans choose to watch a product with more talented players and a snobs for it? Are fans of the NFL "Ameri snobs" for not watching the Canadian football league?
Both can co-exist. But the MLS is a fan experience driven sport, and will remain as such for a long, long time.
And really, the MLS shouldn't want fans sitting casually watching a Sunday night game on TV. Because regardless of the fan atmosphere, the product isn't worth watching on TV at the moment. It's just not, not casually atleast. Get off your arses and go to the matches. That's the only way they will keep a fan base invested and supporting long term. Then, maybe, a generation from now, a passionate fan base with more butts than seats to seat them in will do both.
Another generation or two of player development, in the academy systems. And another generation or two of fan development. People who are fans now have kids and pass it down, and then they have kids and pass it down. That kind of longevity helps entrench a team deeper into the community. You've seen it happen with the Mariners and Seahawks over the past 40 years. Those two just had a leg up because they are part of more popular sports.
I never once said or have ever believed that MLS is going to be a player on the open market for top Euro talent. That is a waste of time. But if we can correct our youth development issues, and start developing legitimate pro players with the occasional star, the league will benefit as a result. I firmly believe that if the league and salaries improve, more players will choose to stay home than go abroad because there will be less incentive to leave. In that ideal scenario, only the very best would benefit from moving abroad.
And no, Americans who watch the NFL are not "Amerisnobs" for not watching the CFL, for several reasons, first and foremost because it's not an American league. They have little to no connection to it.
The idea that MLS shouldn't want people watching on TV is absurd. Yes, fans in the stands are preferred and are obviously the target audience, but life has other obligations and not everyone can go to every game. That doesn't even touch on fans who live out of market. For example, if you live in eastern Washington it's impossible to get local Sounders broadcasts. The best you can do is subscribe to MLS Direct Kick and get the opponent feed in low def. People on that side of the mountains can't just get up and go to every game. (it should be noted that local Timbers broadcasts are available over here on ROOT. What a colossal screw up by the Sounders, in my opinion.)