Franchise awarding

[ironhead]

Okay, some people on here have begun to worry me. It seems for some insane reason, Seattle is on track to get a franchise without a SSS, even before St. Louis and Philly, which would leave only one more expansion slot for 2009 on the table.

In my mind, if we get the vote from Collinsville on the 10th, Cooper is going to get a franchise from MLS. We'll probably have to agonize over it until it's announced, but I cannot see how we could be turned down for a franchise when EVERYTHING MLS wants will have been put in place. The question I have, is thus:

Let's just postulate (hypothetically, now - worst case) that we get the shaft from Garber, because...hmmm...Philly and Seatlle both made deals with the Devil. Can we not, then, hope for a franchise in 2010??

[P@rick_STL]

I'm not at all familiar with the details, but I suspect the contingencies built into the Collinsville pre-annexation agreement will be tied to a 2009 expansion franchise.

[ironhead]

Perhaps, but I'm sure it could be re-worded for 2010, should it be necessary. I know that the council's approval for funds, zoning, etc. is definitely contingent on the awarding of the franchise.

The more I think about this, the less I worry. If we get the stadium, we should get the franchise.

[Sport Billy]

Can we not, then, hope for a franchise in 2010??

We can, but there are two worries there.
First, what happens when MLS says "We set the expansion fee at $30,000,000 for teams 15 & 16. For teams 17 & 18, the fee is $50,000,000" - Is Cooper going two want to pay an additional 20 mil?


Second, what if MLS says - no more odd numbers - and there aren't any other cities ready so you have to wait until Las Vegas (for example) is ready in 2012?

[SoccerYoda]

Assuming the result of the September 10th vote is 'yes', do we know if it IS in the wording of the deal that the city of Collinsville is NOT on the hook if the MLS does NOT award St. Louis an expansion franchise?

Kind of like an 'out clause' if the MLS ends up turning St. Louis down AFTER the fact that Collinsville gives Cooper the go ahead to break ground?

[jasontoon]

Assuming the result of the September 10th vote is 'yes', do we know if it IS in the wording of the deal that the city of Collinsville is NOT on the hook if the MLS does NOT award St. Louis an expansion franchise?

Kind of like an 'out clause' if the MLS ends up turning St. Louis down AFTER the fact that Collinsville gives Cooper the go ahead to break ground?

Cooper says on the StL Soccer United blog that no shovel will break ground and no bonds will be issued until after MLS awards the franchise. He's said this before, too. If MLS takes a pass, the entire development is dead.

EDIT: Found the quote: "It is important to remember that nothing happens on the project without first receiving word from MLS that we have earned an expansion franchise for the 2009 season." That's from the blog post that just went up today (http://www.stlouissoccerunited.com/content/view/69/73/).

[SoccerYoda]

Thanks. Hadn't had the chance to read that yet.:)

[Revs007]

Does anyone here actually believe MLS would turn this down?

[sirfallsalot_2000]

It would be hard to believe the MLS would turn down any SSS. But here is the problem for each city:

Seattle: Doesn't have a SSS, but for some reason has extreme faith that playing Qwest is a good idea for the first X years.

Philly: MLS wants the market, but could they get beaten out by St. Louis and Seattle?

St. Louis: Has a great plan that is the furthest along, but could get bumped because we are the new kid on the block and the MLS has been trying to get Philly and Seattle in for a while.

I think all three teams will get their act together and let all three in: 2 in '09 (STL and Seattle) and then 1 in 2010 (Philly). Personally these look like better situations than the Chivas and Salt Lake franchises, and the MLS would be foolish to pass.

[gregro]

Okay, some people on here have begun to worry me. It seems for some insane reason, Seattle is on track to get a franchise without a SSS, even before St. Louis and Philly, which would leave only one more expansion slot for 2009 on the table.

In my mind, if we get the vote from Collinsville on the 10th, Cooper is going to get a franchise from MLS. We'll probably have to agonize over it until it's announced, but I cannot see how we could be turned down for a franchise when EVERYTHING MLS wants will have been put in place. The question I have, is thus:

Let's just postulate (hypothetically, now - worst case) that we get the shaft from Garber, because...hmmm...Philly and Seatlle both made deals with the Devil. Can we not, then, hope for a franchise in 2010??

SSS is not a show stopper.

http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=597230

[PopsKrock]

SSS is not a show stopper.

http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=597230

It is for us. We had to have a plan for one to get a foot in the door. It'd be nice if everyone played by the same rules.

[gregro]

When the Sounders were in the old NASL, they averaged between 20-24k. It is a solid soccer market. The only reasoon the current Sounders don't draw more is because they play in minor league with no TV contract, little marketing and advertising. Even without that, we drew 10k against Dallas last week. Having a plan and SSS stadium is not the only criteria for being awarded a franchise. The size and location of the market is also factored in. I actually hope both St. Louis and Philly get franchises but I also remember that The old St. Louis Stars and Philly Atoms and Fury were lucky to average 4-5k per game while Seattle consistantly was one of the more successful franchises in the old NASL. Seattle is a great soccer city. The league knows it and that is why we will be awarded a franchise in 2009. St. Louis and Philly will be there too but it may take a little more time. : )

[Basque21]

gregro, You say the MLS know Seattle is a great soccer city, well everyone else thinks St. Louis is http://www.stlouissoccerunited.com/content/view/62/85/

[gregro]

Obviously I am biased but I too believe that St. Louis is a great soccer city and has been for years and years. Even back in the 70's they produced some of the best american soccer players in the nation. I am very well aware of your towns history. Although the Steamers drew well for a few years the NASL Stars did ok but ultimately failed (perhaps due to ownership, I am not sure) Check this out.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Louis_Stars_(NASL)

It is a new era and I happen to think that your support group and stadium plan is excellent and first class. I won't dispute that. If there is any city that deserves a franchise, I can't think of a more deserving city than St. Louis.: ) I think it is inevitable that you will have a team in MLS sooner than later all I am saying is that Seattle is next in line, at least on the West Coast.

However it is possible that both St. Louis and Seattle and even perhaps Philly later on will all have franchises. I think this would be great for the league. : )

[gregro]

If you want to find out about Seattle Sounders Soccer History, go here:

http://goalseattle.com/OriginalSounders.htm

[AlecW81]

You can't use NASL stats to back up any sort of claim for a fanbase today. Cosmos drew 60k+ RBNY draws 6k.

[gregro]

The Sounders drew 10k last week against Dallas with little or no advertising, media coverage and little promotion on a Tuesday school night. Once the Sounders move to MLS and they will draw around 18 to 20k a game.

[Basque21]

Since they have so much history in the NASL they should stay in the NASL, The NASL need the Sound, the MLS don't. MLS need St. Louis and philadelphia and SSS.

[gregro]

The MLS needs Seattle, St. Louis and Philly. The Sounders are still around (in the USL and finished 1st place in their division). We have loyal fans that have supported the team for over 30 years. Where are the Stars or the Atoms or the Fury fans? ; )

More kids and adults participate in soccer than any other sport in the Northwest. You can't drive a few miles without finding a soccer field. The college soccer Programs are strong in the area. Seattle U. University of Washington etc and every Highschool in the area has a very strong male and female soccer program. I have lived here off and on for over 30 years and it is one of the best soccer towns in the US. Casey Keller went to highschool in my town and a street is named after him. He was one of the first American's to play in the EPL.

If you lived here and participated in the sport here you would understand why the MLS is hot to put a team here. : )

Like I said, St. Louis is a great soccer city and I hope they get a franchise but to say your city or Philly is more deserving is rubish. Peace!

[Basque21]

I don't know, I wasn't even born yet, why did the whole league go under?