A Truly NEW (I think) Vision for MLS Structure

[PercyB2362]

A. SEM is history
B. New MLS is predicated on a league of 16 teams
C. Champion/Playoff structure - tbd
D. Season Schedule predicated on 16 teams -
drawn up in a fashion similar to pre-WC draw -
(with teams filled in later)
E. ANY professional team in the country is eligible
to be one of the 16 teams for the next season
based on: paid attendance ranking for SOCCER
ONLY games (double header, fireworks, concerts)
games not counted).
F. MLS would define the attendance and any other
desired criteria for inclusion in the next season,
while any team, while otherwise qualifying, would
have the option of accepting or declining to be
a member of the league for next season.

Note the simplicity of this scheme, such as DE/RE
not based on playing result, but ability to generate a paying fan base (surely the most important element for any Pro league). Playing venues, I/Os, etc. would be the responsibility of the local operators and communities. Thus, with this scheme, any community can guage it's potential and local interest in making the Premier rung. And, MLS now has a conceivably greater prospect of gaining a truly nationwide footprint because there are likely to be a few changes in the teams list each year.

[Casper]

And how would the transition between what we have now and this vision work?

Exactly. Creative, but any plan to revamp the league that doesn't have an incentive for MLS and A-League investors to participate will never happen. And blackmailing fans to the gate with relegation as a threat isn't enough of an incentive for those investors, particularly if Rochester and Seattle fans bum-rush the gates. If this is an anticipated outcome, why would anyone want a piece of San Jose? Even if Donovan is still on the team?

[kasai]

The MLS will never go for that unless bankrupcy is the only other option. This isn't like the AFL NFL merger.