1. Yes, the MLS will make it through the difficult times and eventually become profitable and a fixture in the American sporting culture. 2. No, the MLS will continue to lose money for years and will eventually go under
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Columbus is already profitibale, and there is around a 99% chance that LA be profitable by 2004. NE has to be close. Their control of revenue streams is almost identical to that of the Crew, as is their attendance. I just started a post on B & M about how Colorado seems poised to make a profit this season. With three or four teams profitable by 2004, plus Chicago moving back into Soldier Field, the league is probably just two SSS away from permanent, overall profitability. Things have never looked so good. If the either the Dallas or Metros deal gets done before next season, the league is on the brink of being permanent. If both get done plus OKC, then I'm inviting everyone at bigsoccer over to my place for the 1st annual "MLS Forever" party.
Will the MLS stand the test of time? Sadly, it will not. Nothing lasts forever. Indeed, even the human race shall perish. The stars, the galaxy. The universe. Everything. Long before that, somebody will witness the very last MLS match. -Ben's cheerful Friday the 13th post.
Not that I haven't answered this question before (I said "yes" all the other times, as well), but I have to say that I am more confident than ever giving that answer. I really think we've turned the corner on this one.
Sounds like a lot of 'reaching' and wishful thinking to me. Enjoy the matches while you can. You're one good Qwest investigation away from oblivion.
Who wants those grapes? They're probably sour anyway. I think the fact that MLS realised that Florida is not a good place for professional sports shows alot of forward thinking.
You can't dis Fusion Man Steve for being pissed that his team was disolved after winning the Supporters' Shield. My team moved an hour away and I've been crying all season. I hope MLS is profitable in the long term and that expansion will include the Ft. Lauderdale Fusion. And the uniforms could be designed as a nice little nod to the NASL's Strikers--I kinda liked their horizontal stripe thing. Also, KC needs to move to St. Louis and change its name. On their site they have a report about the viability of a SSS (and for those who are up on these things, is it "a SSS" or "an SSS"?), but I reckon if they can't get more than 10,000 at Arrowhead, they should be moved to a better soccer community. Then we can hear Wizard Man Steve predict the league's demise!
KC's numbers are very similar to those in Columbus circa 1998 (12,275 vs. 11,715). I don't think many people in '98 would have thought MLS had much business in Columbus.
The growth in soccer over the last 15 - 20 years or so has been enromous. It will keep on growing as well, as more youth will grow up in a soccer strong environment. The more soccer specific stadiums we get in this country, the better. We're on the right road, we'll eventually get there.