1. Atlanta Braves? Dallas Cowboys? 2. What team should anyone in Florida care about in MLS? Same question for most every state in the southeast and pacific northwest.
cute but doesn't respond to my claim. the other sports have done a good job in making sure every region of the country is included. there have been instances of only one team in the SE having widespread appeal (Braves). any answer to who I should support? What natural affinity I should have to any team?
On the Fire board, GM Peter Wilt said that encouraging rivalries between teams is important for the future of the league. Part of fueling that rivalry, he said, is that teams should be nearby so that fans could travel to away games. Therefore, I would think that setting up teams in close proximity to already established MLS franchises should be a goal for the league. For example, new teams in St. Louis and Milwaukee would be good for the league in the Midwest, giving KC fans an interstate rival and the Fire two nearby rivals. Portland-Seattle-Vancouver (even though it's in Canada) would be good in the Northwest. California already has SJ-LA-Chivas. Out east a team to complete a Metros-Revs triangle would be good. Though DCU has something going with Metros, right? Maybe they can find an additional rival for SLC and the Rapids. FCD, perhaps will have a Tulsa or Oklahoma City and Columbus will have Cleveland or Detroit. But -- ultimately -- it will come down to owners and stadia.
What benefit derives from this regional identity, if it should happen? That's the part 2 of your underpants gnome theory. Step 1...put a team in the southeast. Step 3...benefit from the regional identity.
I guess I wasn't clear...I wasn't asking what benefit there was to you, personally. I was asking what benefit there is for MLS. At least you're honest about it!!
KC and St. Louis? There is absolutely no overlap in TV market and KC has absolutely no fan base here in St. Louis. MLS would be here already and would have skipped KC if we had an open-air stadium.
what, are you saying having me as a fan of a team isn't the biggest benefit of all for MLS? notice the term "footprint" listed in a press release today. it's something I don't think people give the same weight MLS does in its ultimate plans. all i'm saying is 1/20 spaces should be reserved for a future southeast team. don't write off soccer in a whole region of the country.