The best MLS can hope for by 2006

[photar74]

Since 2006 is the next time the league will need to reaffirm its existence (unless some unforeseen financial problems appear between now and then), I’d like to break down what I feel is the best the league can hope for by that time:

Number of Teams: Twelve
It’s really hard to imagine two rounds of expansion taking place between now and 2006, as it would require almost every even moderately substantial non-MLS stadium and I/O rumor to be true. Two could certainly happen in this time period, however.

New Stadiums: Five (LA and Soldier field don’t count)
Metros, Burn, Two Expansion, and one of KC, DC, or city willing to take San Jose

New Investors / Operators: Four
Two expansion I/O’s and two of Dallas, San Jose, or new city willing to take on San Jose.

Non July 4th weekday Games for each team: Two, on average
With improved stadium situations, scheduling would make this far more likely.

Average Attendance: 18,750
If most of the other best possible scenarios pan out, this would almost certainly happen

TV Ratings (ESPN2) = 0.25
A rating like this would actually make a time-buy quite profitable.

If all of these things happen, the league would be quite profitable and well-positioned to make a real dent on the American sports landscape.

Of course, while all of these COULD happen, the odds of all six happening is probably somewhere around 1-2%.

Other thoughts?

[profiled]

Originally posted by photar74

New Stadiums: Five (LA and Soldier field don’t count)
Metros, Burn, Two Expansion, and one of KC, DC, or city willing to take San Jose


Why doesn't LA count?

[eric515]

I think he's talking about new SSS' that aren't already being built, like in NJ or Dallas

[K.P.]

I think any new investor should have to take over the league operated team(s) (I forget if there is one or two now) before they are allowed to start a new franchise.

Therefore, I think getting twelve teams by 2006 is unrealistic.

[Sachin]

There's only one league operated team at the moment: Dallas. All they need is a stadium and Hunt will take over.

12 teams by 2006 is absolutely realistic and, IMHO, necessary. The biggest stumbling block is a stadium.

If you think about it, we would have had a team in Milwaukee if the Bradley Center didn't put the kibosh on the SSS. A similar situation exists in Rochester as well with the stadium being the major stumbling block to the Rhinos joining MLS.

Substitute OKC for Milwaukee and you have two VERY STRONG candidates for expansion.

Of course, as a personal preference, I would love to see major league soccer in Washington DC.

Sachin

[superdave]

Originally posted by photar74
0.25
A rating like this would actually make a time-buy quite profitable.
On what do you base this assertion?