ok, let's suppose for a second that the powers that be in mls are going to put their heads together and create a cable soccer channel how do they: -get into households (basic or just above basic packages) -make money -get non u.s. matches -actually build up soccer interest, despite more than likely not being accessible to most people in the country -fill programming among other things
http://www.cablemaven.com/index.html http://www.ncta.com/docs/faq.cfm#a8 They will make money off of ads and infomercials. That's really the only way. And they will fill programming by getting soccer programming as cheap as they can. Getting onto systems is the hardest part, IMHO. I would imagine Anschutz would have to broker a deal involving his other entertainment options, i.e. "You want me to put the concerts I am promoting on PPV? Put my soccer channel on your digital platform." All speculation, but as someone once told me when I brought up the issue of St. Phil starting a channel - "Maybe he's closer to it than anyone knows."
i don't know i guess i am seeing them having a hard time getting enough money from selling ads... i mean, it's a speciality channel... so who besides us is going to be asking for it and actually watching it besides commercials won't be happening like they do for regular shows... i figure most of the programming would be fairly cheap to show though... mls, a-league, wusa... hell you could show pdl, college, highschool championships and even youth tournaments shell out most of the money producing the mls matches, picking up a few european matches a week, FC Champion's Cup, possibly US Open Cup, etc. weekly 30-60 minute shows: -scouting the youth of the nation -providing insight into national team player pool -a-league round-up -wusa round-up -other pro leagues round-up for mls -daily show for goings on -weekly in offseason for player movement, rehab, draft, etc. -player profiles for europe -yanks abroad show... highlights and profiles of all americans in europe... possible player movement
In about 10 more years. MLS needs to have 16 teams, and reserve teams, and then they need a viable A-League with 12 solid teams on good fields drawing 10K each. In 7 to 10 more years I think we'll get there. By then, MLS will have deep and broad enough penetration to merit the commercial side. WUSA still in existance would help. Right now there's not enough domestic soccer news and events to support it. But you are right about youth leagues getting exposure, that will also be on it.