David Beckham to MLS - Implications?

[olephill2]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=399471&cc=5901

Here is the story on David Beckham's impending transfer to the LA Galaxy for anyone who's been living in the Cretacious Period ;). What are the implications for MLS by having the most marketable, recognizable face in world soccer come to play in this league? I think this will be a real coup for MLS and will increase LA's fan base considerably while also adding to the league's media exposure. Let's remember that Beckham is only 31 years old too, and theoretically, still not far off his prime. He was arguably the best player in an England uniform during the 2006 World Cup, scoring 1 goal with 2 assists.

Why has he dropped off so quickly, both in ReaL's rotation and with Steve McClaren and the England squad? In any case, Great news for MLS and US Soccer!

[EastBayGrease]

1) In addition to up'ing MLS's status in the American media, it also significantly increases MLS's ability to recruit soccer talent from Central and South America. MLS is now the league of David Beckham, and possibly Ronaldo...What young El Salvadorian or Guatemalan talent would turn down the chance to play alongside those players who are still not past their prime.

2) ESPN and Univision, for the first time, paid for the rights to air MLS matches this upcoming season. In ESPN's own words, they said they're going to give MLS, the "TNT Treatment", in reference to the hype that TNT generates for their NBA games. Now, ESPN has David Beckham (and possibly Ronaldo), not just Carlos Ruiz or Pat Noonan, to generate that hype.

[dark knight]

Do we really want to discus this here too? I am inclined to close this because perhaps we should have at least one Beckham free zone, but let me know if you disagree.

[sidefootsitter]

MLS better improve its product fast.

Watching the Columbus Crew complete 30% of its forward passes will only make a soccer fan shake his head.

If you acquire a stallion, you don't race him with Clydesdales.

[san alejandro]

This is another publicity stunt that might actually WORK!. I have no problem with beckham playing in the U.S. I just think that really won't do anything for the national side here in America. He will be playing for the Los Angeles Galaxy that only plays on Fox Soccer Channel and ESPN 2. It might bring money in and popularity back to watch the L.A. but no one wants to watch the Real Salt Lake and Red Bull? You guys get my drift? I know he will bring fans in the stadiums but then again there are more teams out there that have nobodies. Yea that 15 year old everyone raved about has still not played on the Men's Senior National Team and hasn't done anything so impressive in his age group of international competition. Yea he is a good player but what was the big deal about him? That he is NOT from the U.S. and they paid him to change nationalities so that soccer can be popular here in U.S. why doesn't US soccer just focus on developing players that can play accross seas and I am not talking about Fulham and Belgium teams. I am talking about respectful clubs that have tradition and some competitive squads. Last time I checked Donovan was the wonder kid and came back from Germany to play at the Home Depot Center. WOW. The only one player I have any respect for is Beasley and that is because he plays for PSV a damn good team in a pretty good league. The problem with the U.S. is developing players because the U17 national team has not done anything impressive yet there are millions of kids in the U.S. that can rock the field for sure. Its all politics, MONEY and background. Get over this Beckham thing and lets make the U.S. soccer team respectful. Its sad that I am from here but I don't have one ounce of respect for US Soccer because a lot players are left out to dry. Please the Mexican National team is much more organized and well respected and their captain is the 4th most popular player in the WORLD. No doubt one of the best defenders on the best club team in the WORLD.

Holla at a kid!

[deron]

MLS better improve its product fast.

Watching the Columbus Crew complete 30% of its forward passes will only make a soccer fan shake his head.

If you acquire a stallion, you don't race him with Clydesdales.

I'm sure it'll frustrate the hell out of Crew fans. Galaxy fans probably won't mind. Soccer fans is just a strange construct for the committed and glory hounds.

[DoctorD]

1) In addition to up'ing MLS's status in the American media, it also significantly increases MLS's ability to recruit soccer talent from Central and South America. MLS is now the league of David Beckham, and possibly Ronaldo...What young El Salvadorian or Guatemalan talent would turn down the chance to play alongside those players who are still not past their prime.
so you're saying that his impact on the USMNT is negative since MLS will recruit and give experience to fewer American soccer players?

[Dirt McGirt]

I'm sure it'll frustrate the hell out of Crew fans. Galaxy fans probably won't mind. Soccer fans is just a strange construct for the committed and glory hounds. I think it's funny that DC United, Metro and Fire fans are so stoked for the Galaxy.:rolleyes:

[dcsundevil2002]

I honestly think that Beckham playing for teh Galaxy will make Donovan a better player, and that will translate to a better attacking USMNT. Think of it: Beckham is now the superstar at HDC, Donovan is no longer the guy who has to do everything. That huge weight on his shoulders just got moved to Becks. That huge spotlight was just switched over to Becks. Now Landon can just play the game.

This will translate to a good move for US Soccer.

[TheRightHandofDoom]

I think it's funny that DC United, Metro and Fire fans are so stoked for the Galaxy.:rolleyes:

I just wan't to see CJ Brown kick Becks in the back while he's down.

[Stanman09]

I honestly think that Beckham playing for teh Galaxy will make Donovan a better player, and that will translate to a better attacking USMNT. Think of it: Beckham is now the superstar at HDC, Donovan is no longer the guy who has to do everything. That huge weight on his shoulders just got moved to Becks. That huge spotlight was just switched over to Becks. Now Landon can just play the game.

This will translate to a good move for US Soccer.

I think its a good move for MLS, hardly for US Soccer. As you mentioned, it will help maybe 3 USMNT players develop a tiny bit better.

How does this help youth development? How does this help competition? How does this help the financial resources of US Soccer?

They set the bar too high. Now everyone is going to expect similar treatment. AEG shot themselves in the foot. They are going to canibalize themselves unless they bring in similar players to Houston and Chicago.

[SamsArmySam]

My reaction is %#!$ we paid too much. $250MM over 5 years.

In any negotiation, you need to gauge the other side's best alternative to a negotiated agreement (BATNA). Is there any other club in the world that would've given Beckham that figure? Plus, apparently, the rights to do promo deals free and clear of any league participation? I would see $10-20MM a year ($50-100MM total) as a likely BATNA for Beckham on a 5yr deal. Hats off to DB's agent.

As this is indeed the USMNT N&A forum, what does this mean for the USMNT? We are taking a very big bet that MLS is going to become a wealthier league with this investment. If it works, future generations of Nats have an even higher level of play in their domestic league and larger paychecks, and we can enjoy a more talented American player pool. But if we do another couple of these Beckham deals and the cash flow doesn't materialize, then the league could go bankrupt, and we can all turn our clocks back to 1989.

Let's hope the folks on our side of this deal did their league financial projections correctly.

[cleansheetbsc]

Donovan is no longer B.M.O.C. at the club level (at least off the field).

[lmorin]

Is it true that one of the selling points for Beckham was the fact that he knows LD and would enjoy playing on the same team? I heard that somewhere?

[judodono]

I honestly think that Beckham playing for teh Galaxy will make Donovan a better player, and that will translate to a better attacking USMNT.


Donovan doesn't want to play with the big boys in Europe. The next best thing? Bring Europe to Donovan.



I think its a good move for MLS, hardly for US Soccer. As you mentioned, it will help maybe 3 USMNT players develop a tiny bit better.


3 out of 10 (field players) isn't that bad. Come to think of it, 3 out of 6 (offensive field players) is even better.

As tired as I am of Donovan for being a mediocre player, yet being hyped to be our #10, this is a great move for him. Beckham should help raise his skill level.

[bltleo]

I honestly think that Beckham playing for teh Galaxy will make Donovan a better player, and that will translate to a better attacking USMNT. Think of it: Beckham is now the superstar at HDC, Donovan is no longer the guy who has to do everything. That huge weight on his shoulders just got moved to Becks. That huge spotlight was just switched over to Becks. Now Landon can just play the game.

This will translate to a good move for US Soccer.

Beckham will be big competition for Landon in the USA. Many girls and woman would love David more than Landon. It can happen. I think if David really join Galaxy, Landon would not like it. It might be problem for him. Not only competition as both handsome men,but also soccer players. Landon want to be the best in the team.

But it would be interesting to see both to play together in one team.

Maybe Donovan is better at penalties than David and Landon can teach him how to make panalties:).

Beckham to Galaxy..why not?.

P.S Beckham can really draw a lot of attention. I have an american friend whom I have given the book about Beckham when visiting him. After he got the book, he started to read the book and forgot he had visit from german friend:). So much attention can cause Beckham. Since this time I never give anyone a book about Beckham as a gift.

[Stanman09]

As tired as I am of Donovan for being a mediocre player, yet being hyped to be our #10, this is a great move for him. Beckham should help raise his skill level.

How much can he raise his skill level? Be realistic here. Even if Donovan scores two times as many goals with the Galaxy, does that help the cause for USMNT when he does not have Beckham?

[NaMusa75]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=399471&cc=5901

Here is the story on David Beckham's impending transfer to the LA Galaxy for anyone who's been living in the Cretacious Period ;). What are the implications for MLS by having the most marketable, recognizable face in world soccer come to play in this league? I think this will be a real coup for MLS and will increase LA's fan base considerably while also adding to the league's media exposure. Let's remember that Beckham is only 31 years old too, and theoretically, still not far off his prime. He was arguably the best player in an England uniform during the 2006 World Cup, scoring 1 goal with 2 assists.

Why has he dropped off so quickly, both in ReaL's rotation and with Steve McClaren and the England squad? In any case, Great news for MLS and US Soccer!
Let's not kid ourselves here. Becks best years were at Man. U. and is closer to the twilight of his career than his prime. That being said, he'll still terrorize on the wing with his deft crosses and lethal free kicks.

But seriously $250 mil over 5 years? That means that the MLS heads are thinking that having Becks play for LA will bring them at least $50 mil in revenue per year. That's cajones and the only one that's guaranteed to win is Becks (and Posh Spice with Beverly Hills so close).

[NaMusa75]

Beckham will be big competition for Landon in the USA. Many girls and woman would love David more than Landon. It can happen. I think if David really join Galaxy, Landon would not like it. It might be problem for him. Not only competition as both handsome men,but also soccer players. Landon want to be the best in the team.

But it would be interesting to see both to play together in one team.

Maybe Donovan is better at penalties than David and Landon can teach him how to make panalties:).

Beckham to Galaxy..why not?.

P.S Beckham can really draw a lot of attention. I have an american friend whom I have given the book about Beckham when visiting him. After he got the book, he started to read the book and forgot he had visit from german friend:). So much attention can cause Beckham. Since this time I never give anyone a book about Beckham as a gift.
You're dreaming btleo. Becks will have more star power than Landon. Becks is better at penalties and set pieces. Becks doesn't choke.

I think at this point, Landon will be happy to shy away from the limelight. All that attention he got prior to WC and his performance got him where?

The deal is through, $250 mil over 5 years.

[NaMusa75]

How much can he raise his skill level? Be realistic here. Even if Donovan scores two times as many goals with the Galaxy, does that help the cause for USMNT when he does not have Beckham?
Exactly. I think a lot of us are having major pipe dreams here. Becks on LA is all good for the Galaxy but unless there is a Becks-type player on the national team by South Africa, good old Landon will fade into obscurity. Perhaps, by the time South Africa rolls around, Dempsey will have evolved into a Becks-type player with his time at Fulham and perhaps DaMarcus will have regained his form . . . . but those are pipe dreams as well . . .