MLS a minor league, at a Major League Price?
Starting off with a little RANT
Yes, a title that drives a little bit of controversy. I did that intentionally. Those of you that have been to the BLOG a lot know that I support soccer at various levels. Grassroots to La Liga. You name it, I’ve been there. Watching, chearing, and sometimes crying (yesterday it was because of the smoke in my eyes from the pre-match pyro).
I enjoy the experience at TQL Stadium. I think I’m lucky being that I’m within driving distance to Cincinnati for matches. I appreciate the building. I’d say there’s not a bad seat in the house but, that isn’t 100% true. (I sat near some yesterday) There are for sure some limted view seats in some places.
I sat behind a gentleman from St. Louis yesterday. He went to the match in Columbus on Saturday and came down to Cincinnati on Sunday. Claiming his trip to both cities cost him less than a comperable ticket to St. Louis City SC, and he also made mention of them “killing” the USL Side. There’s interest in soccer here in the US. It exists. There is a very strong group of supporters that comes out to each match… even more that want to watch from home fore various reasons but honestly, there’s a disconnect between Major League Soccer, and the game in the US.
The league is fun to watch, but it’s not the Prem, or La Liga. It’s just not. The league wants to go crazy over Messi, and it’s fine that he’s here and playing but, let’s take into consideration that the MLS is not one of the top leagues in the world. “MLS is commonly ranked as the 10th best soccer league in the world, both in terms of popularity and the overall quality of the game.” https://authoritysoccer.com/where-does-mls-rank-in-world-soccer-leagues/
In recent years, Major League Soccer (MLS) has seen an undeniable surge in popularity, marked by expanding franchises, increasing attendance, and growing television viewership. (don’t argue the last piece- the numbers are out there prior to the Apple TV deal) However, this upward trajectory of the league does not necessarily equate to the growth of soccer as a sport within the United States. This distinction may seem counterintuitive at first glance, but a deeper dive into the nuances of soccer's development in the country reveals a complex picture. This post explores the multifaceted relationship between MLS's success and the broader growth of soccer in the U.S., shedding light on why league expansion doesn't automatically translate to a deeper, nationwide embracement of the sport.
Expansion vs. Engagement
The MLS has been strategic in adding teams in both traditional and non-traditional soccer markets, a move that has undeniably broadened its geographic footprint and fan base. Yet, the expansion of a professional league is a business growth strategy that doesn't inherently foster a grassroots connection to the sport. While new teams may spark initial interest and local excitement, long-term engagement with soccer at a community level—youth participation, amateur leagues, and school programs—requires a different set of investments and initiatives.
Media Coverage and Visibility
Despite increased visibility through media deals and digital platforms, soccer still competes with the juggernauts of American sports culture—football, basketball, and baseball. The growth of MLS has not yet significantly shifted the mainstream sports media landscape, where soccer often finds itself relegated to a niche interest. This disparity in coverage affects public perception and, by extension, the sport's growth potential beyond the confines of MLS fandom.
Player Development and Global Standards
The development of homegrown talent and the performance of American players on the global stage are critical indicators of a sport's growth within a country. While MLS has made strides in improving its academies and youth development programs, the United States still lags behind the world's top soccer nations in producing globally competitive talent. The league's growth has not yet translated into a proportional increase in the quality or quantity of American players succeeding in Europe's elite leagues or significantly impacting the U.S. National Team's success on the international stage.
Cultural Integration and Identity
Soccer's identity within the American sports landscape remains ambiguous. Unlike countries where soccer is deeply woven into the cultural fabric, the U.S. has a more fragmented relationship with the sport. MLS's growth has contributed to soccer's visibility but has not necessarily fostered a profound cultural integration comparable to that in countries with a longstanding soccer tradition. The league's expansion often feels more like an addition to the American sports menu rather than a transformation of the country's sports culture.
Wrap Up
The growth of Major League Soccer is an exciting chapter in the American sports narrative, showcasing the potential for soccer to carve out its space in a crowded market. However, equating MLS's success with the growth of soccer in the U.S. overlooks the broader challenges and nuances of nurturing a sport that is still finding its footing in the American cultural psyche. For soccer to truly grow in the United States, efforts must extend beyond the professional sphere, deepening grassroots engagement, improving player development pathways, and fostering a cultural shift that embraces soccer as an integral part of the American sports landscape.
