For the past 2 years or so, there have been rumors about Mexican club owners investing and/or owning MLS clubs. Now that they have confirmed their interest, what is the general consensus amongst MLS fans? Would you be in favor or against? IMHO, i think its time for Phil/AEG to let go of some of those teams he owns. Its like trying to play chess by yourself. [side note] The year after Televisa bought CLub America, they were runners up and have been the most successful club to date in Mexico. I am quite sure that Televisa is aware of the single entity format and the salary cap, because it has been mentioned before. I assume that if Televisa owns a MLS club, Univision, INC (Galavision, Telefutura, Univision)would be forced to televise their games. Televisa and Univision have a contract that expires in 2017. I wouldnt be surprised if you see MLS teams in the near future in San Antonio and Houston, owned by Mexican soccer execs.
Can they sign a check? Are they willing to play within the rules of this league and not complain about how their country does things? Will the check clear? All the questions I need.
I'll take anything that helps MLS. Right now new money is important. Would we quibble if an EPL club wanted in? I don't think so. I welcome our neighbors to the south and their money. Scumby
I agree. Houston is the best possible place for a Mexican oriented team or even Los Angeles Galaxy or San Diego. There are millions of Mexicans living on those places I just mentioned. I think that a lot of Mexicans who've never been to a MLS game will go on a regular basis. Its good for the league financially. I think that it will be great.
i think it could be a positive move,but they would have to pass a vote from the other owners like other pro franchises in America.
as long as they understand what the league is all about, namely developing American talent, and they have a commitment to the league and willingness to operate under the current guidelines then great. if they try to make it an ethno-centric venture, or use it as a farm club for their team then i wouldn't be interested.
I think any teams that are in the US, should have to abide by MLS rules, i.e. foriegn player limits, etc. However, if a team was based in Mexico, or Canada, I think that team could have special rules. As long as they are in it for the right reasons, and can sustain losses for a few more years, I'm ok with it. James
      MLS almost did have a foreign owner (or at least co-owner) back in 1998!       Alan Rothenberg and Japanese advertising agency Dentsu were that close to becoming San Jose's Investor/Operators until the Asian Stock Market crash that year forced Dentsu to pull out at the last moment (and thus forcing Rothenberg to withdraw as well). It was rumored at the time that had the deal gone through, that Dentsu would've used its pull to nab Hidetoshi Nakata for San Jose.       There were also rumors around that same time that some European investors were interested in becoming Investor/Operators of the Dallas Burn, but I'm not sure why they eventually didn't. -G
As long as their checks clear, and they can continue to write them for long into the forseeable future, I see no problem with ANY kind of new investors, foreign or otherwise...
I don't have a problem with it at all. How many owners dose MLS have anyway, three? What's good for Lamar, St. Phill and the Kraps is good for the loyal MLS fan, if they think it's a good idea and if Televisa thinks it's a good idea, then it is. Televisa is a very savvy corporate entity, they are not clueless coming into this.
Not to sound overly idealistic, but if MLS brings in a Mexican owner, I hope it isn't to develop a "Mexican team" but because they want to invest in the business of soccer in the USA.
Any team in MLS will not be a farm team to an owner of another club in another league. Simply because teams do not hold player contracts the league does. If that owner wants move a player on his team to a team that he owns in another league than he is going to have to pay a transfer for it. As an owner stand point I would much rather have 3 teams in 3 different leagues than 3 teams in one. Forgein team owners have my blessing to spend their money here in the United States.
No farm teams please. Obviously theyll ahve to abide by all MLS rules or else itll be a total fix. Every league in the world (pretty much) has foreign owners. I just dont wanna hear a stupid name like the Houston Chivas. No offense to Chivas fans, but keep Chivas as Guadalajara's name and not some Houston team...etc.
Any investor or group of investors who are willing to throw down the cash and bank on the future success of MLS are fine with me. Most foreigners grew up much more than we did here around a soccer culture and if that in turn makes them even more motivated and excited about their club (translated - willing to invest over the long term), then I'm all for it. Mexico, England, Germany - who cares? As long as someone believes in MLS's potential, they'll have my support as well.
Bring 'em on. Remember the consternation when Nintendo was trying to buy the Mariners way back when? Who cares? Quite frankly, we gringos could use a bit of the enthusiasm and passion for the game that our friends to the south have. If they have the dough and will continue to spend it, bienvenidos.
Rougher than its been the past 7 1/2 years? If they are interested now, it would seem they have they the stomach for it. If they meet MLS finicial standards and will play by the same rules, MLS can use all the new money, enthusiasm and ideas they can get. Bring em on.
Move the Dolans!!!!! Re : Topic - As long as they are willing and committed...*cough**cough*horowitz*cough**cough* I could give a damn if they are from Mars.
In no way could a new team be a farm team Single Entity doesn't allow it. If they want a player they have to either pay a transfer for him, or wait till his contract runs out and then try to compete with other teams to pick him up as a free agent.