Leiweke: "Galaxy could be at $100m (a year?) revenues within a couple years".

"We're already thinking about who the next player is that will come over and join us as David's career will undoubtedly wind down," he told the International Football Arena convention.
"This is going to be the way of life for clubs in the United States, in particular for the Galaxy. It will be important for us to go out and identify world class players who want to come to the United States.

Link:http://africa.reuters.com/sport/news/usnBAN548170.html

 

There's nothing wrong with that. I hope more MLS clubs are able to make that impact on a global scale (compete with UK's top clubs in terms of skill and revenue).

To do that though, they'll have to have a plan to compete with UK in terms of fanbase, too. Toronto's the first real sign that it could happen sooner than later. If they keep up their marketing success, they could by the end of the decade become the most popular sports team in Ontario, and we could see our second $100m a year club right there.

 

LA should focus on more attainable goals (like competing with MLS's top clubs) first.

 

LOL. repped!

 

I think many MLS fans are failing to grasp what Galaxy are aiming for.

I'm not 100 percent sure they care if they ever win MLS Cup.
They want a marketing sensation worth millions travelling the globe.
Asian tour anyone?
Though the MLS salary structure contains it a little, I don't think it's wrong to say Galaxy are aiming for Cosmos-like world attention.
That sells a lot of jerseys, tour tickets, etc. and makes $100 m. seem an easy get.

PS: I wouldn't be surprised to see Galaxy push for a salary cap increase and an expansion of the DP rules next season -- perhaps to two a team -- so they could continue to add more marketable players to the squad.

 

Hard to be a world famous club if you consistently finish Mid-table.

 

mid table if they are lucky. And whoever said Asian tour, are you kidding. Max that makes 5 or 6 mil. where does the other 95 come from?

 

Asian/European/(Australian?) tour is in the works for next year.

Sponsorships, ticket revenues, merchandise, etc. This includes Beckham's slice of the pie.

All of which can eventually add up to 100 million.

 

They better get on the case thencause DC United's Kasper and Chang are already there.

 

Thank goodness we're in the MLS, where there are no real tables.

2005 anyone? Thank you very much, you're all jealous.

 

There is nothing wrong with aiming high. I like the way Galaxy thinks.

 

LA Galaxy will have about $25 million in gross receipts from soccer operations this year. With a significant increase in merchandising, ticket, and sponsorship revenue, and additional revenue from foreign tours, it might be possible for them to get to $50 million. But in order to get to $100 million they will need a ton of TV revenue. And that won't happen anytime soon.

 

Leiweke has made silly prognostications before.

 

And the folks at MLS HQ don't always like them.

 

Legitimate point, Monster.
It seems to me that if Galaxy try to operate as if they are above the MLS, and to push for more DPs, higher salary caps, etc. to try and stretch the brand, they could eventually end up in conflict with the league and it's financial model.

I think people should keep an open mind about the Galaxy's revenues, though. First of all, it is my understanding they are planning an Asian tour with Beckham this year. With Becks on the roster they are already light years ahead of DC United on that continent in terms of paydays and merchandise sales.
They are also planning a completely new kit that I'm sure will be sold all over the world. Expect to see it on kids at your local mall, and on kids in Kobe, Japan, and in London, England.

Lieweke is talking about $100m revenue. You don't hear him talking about Supporter's Shields or MLS Cups. It's about marketing a brand not necessarily winning soccer games.

 

In a few years, finishing "mid-table" may not be good enough to make the playoffs, especially if the league continues to use the current playoff format.

 

Good fit for LA: style over substance.

 

puuuuuuuuhlease. once beckham and xavier join the galaxy, with donovan they will be a force. my god, they may have to deal with the amazing attacking play of the colombus crew or the defense of jimmy conrad. they will never succeed.

as much as i would love for MLS to succeed we still live in america guys. come on.

 

I've never had anyone from MLS tell me that. But I have had people from MLS (several years ago) tell me that they wish he wouldn't make grand proclamations to the media.

 

tim is a lot more hype than his bite, and if irc has been reigned a couple of times in the past by phil.

my impression is that he is a highly effective businessman and well-liked, but he has a loud mouth and a penchant for media attention.

 

That last part is a very good summation of what I was told.

 

Maple Leafs?

 

Took the words right out of my mouth. Have some nice rep.

 

Don't underestimate the Asian market for soccer. China is about to explode. Korea and Japan already have successful leagues. Beckham jerseys will sell by the millions in China. Single entity means every dollar LA earns goes to everybody, so building a super club is fine with me, for now. It gets frustrating waiting for 1-3 more teams, new stadia, etc., but progress is being made. Having to play on artificial surfaces for now and seeing small crowds in many markets makes me fear a repeat of NASL, but financially things are moving along. I wish I could move the clock ahead three years and see every team in its own stadium, 2-4 top foreign players on each team, jersey sponsors on all shirts, etc., but that time will come.