There's a thread on this over on the B&M board already: https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=71656 but I thought it deserved to be on the MLS board as well so the maximum amount of people will see it. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2003-09-11-soccer-to-cash-in_x.htm
So if I read this right, all the $$$ WUSA gets out of the deal is $100,000? The cards sure fell the right way for MLS/SUM on this one--so far.
I was wondering what McPaper was going to do since Beau just had to have a kid right before the WWC. I think it's hysterical that Marc's gone from being just another producer at ABC to the nation's most prolific soccer journalist in just a few years. Either way, good for both.
While I certainly hope he's right (though I would miss some of the cult-like features of MLS), I would be interested to know everything he bases this on. As I said on the other thread, I also find it interesting he's based in Denver. I wonder if there's any association with the new owner of the Rapids or even with Anshutz.
Did some poking around regarding this Bonham dude. I think he's a fictional character MLS created. He's Mr. Rumor, Part Deux. http://www.bonham.com/press/2000/528.html http://www.simplyfamily.com/display.cfm?articleID=000103sports_business.cfm http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~94~1607207,00.html http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/1999/02/22/story5.html
Why would the WUSA merit any money out of the deal? They weren't the ones putting up money. The entire tournament is an infomercial for the WUSA anyway. They should be grateful for the cheap advertising.
This further proves my theory. That's obviously Joey Franchino's brother. They could have at least hired an actor.