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I think it's safe to say MLS is America's fifth major sport
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C2__ Offline
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I think it's safe to say MLS is America's fifth major sport
Sure soccer isn't as popular here as it is in other parts of the world but that doesn't stop MLS from posting similar attendance figures as the NHL and NBA. It's a fixture in numerous markets with multiple teams in major markets. It lacks the major star power of other leagues except washed up Euros going on a publicity tour but I think it's safe to say it's more than a niche sport. To my knowledge, it's not propped up like the WNBA and shouldn't be on the verge of bankruptcy. It's good to go for the foreseeable future.
12-02-2017 04:35 PM
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IWokeUpLikeThis Online
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RE: I think it's safe to say MLS is America's fifth major sport
Big difference drawing those numbers for 34 games compared to 82. Also gotta factor per game gate revenue.
(This post was last modified: 12-02-2017 09:42 PM by IWokeUpLikeThis.)
12-02-2017 09:40 PM
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C2__ Offline
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RE: I think it's safe to say MLS is America's fifth major sport
True, it's certainly not up there revenue-wise like the others but even as the weakest link, it's still a link. It's still more popular than the NHL in many locales for example.
12-02-2017 10:03 PM
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Wedge Offline
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RE: I think it's safe to say MLS is America's fifth major sport
(12-02-2017 09:40 PM)IWokeUpLikeThis Wrote:  Big difference drawing those numbers for 34 games compared to 82. Also gotta factor per game gate revenue.

MLS ticket prices are fairly high, so average per game revenue might be higher in MLS than in NHL. Not higher than NBA, though.

Smartest business move MLS has made is putting "soccer specific" stadiums that seat about 20,000 in most markets. At that capacity, they can charge high ticket prices because they don't have too much excess, and many teams have a waitlist for season tickets. If every stadium had 50,000 seats, most fans would feel no need to buy season tickets or even half-season plans, because you could always get tickets at the stadium on game day.

And yes, it helps to have 17 home games instead of 41. NBA and NHL season tickets are much less appealing now because of the secondary markets like StubHub. Few NBA or NHL season ticket holders are so un-busy that they can make it to all 41 home games anyway, and with tickets always available on the secondary market, even a dedicated fan can go to the 20 games they really want to see for less than the price of season tickets.
12-03-2017 12:52 AM
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vandiver49 Offline
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RE: I think it's safe to say MLS is America's fifth major sport
(12-03-2017 12:52 AM)Wedge Wrote:  
(12-02-2017 09:40 PM)IWokeUpLikeThis Wrote:  Big difference drawing those numbers for 34 games compared to 82. Also gotta factor per game gate revenue.

MLS ticket prices are fairly high, so average per game revenue might be higher in MLS than in NHL. Not higher than NBA, though.

Smartest business move MLS has made is putting "soccer specific" stadiums that seat about 20,000 in most markets. At that capacity, they can charge high ticket prices because they don't have too much excess, and many teams have a waitlist for season tickets. If every stadium had 50,000 seats, most fans would feel no need to buy season tickets or even half-season plans, because you could always get tickets at the stadium on game day.

And yes, it helps to have 17 home games instead of 41. NBA and NHL season tickets are much less appealing now because of the secondary markets like StubHub. Few NBA or NHL season ticket holders are so un-busy that they can make it to all 41 home games anyway, and with tickets always available on the secondary market, even a dedicated fan can go to the 20 games they really want to see for less than the price of season tickets.

I agree with you on Stadium size being key to MLS success, the other factor IMO was controlled growth which I feel they are squandering which the expansion craze that has taken hold in recent years.
12-03-2017 04:37 AM
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Brookes Owl Offline
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RE: I think it's safe to say MLS is America's fifth major sport
MLS is 5th in a 4 man race. NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL are 4 of the 5 highest revenue leagues in the world. MLS is about 15-18, somewhere around the Russian league and 2.Bundesliga. Are they sustainable? Sure, but they need to grow by nearly an order of magnitude before being compared to the other 4 American sports leagues.
12-03-2017 11:06 AM
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Wedge Offline
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RE: I think it's safe to say MLS is America's fifth major sport
(12-03-2017 04:37 AM)vandiver49 Wrote:  
(12-03-2017 12:52 AM)Wedge Wrote:  
(12-02-2017 09:40 PM)IWokeUpLikeThis Wrote:  Big difference drawing those numbers for 34 games compared to 82. Also gotta factor per game gate revenue.

MLS ticket prices are fairly high, so average per game revenue might be higher in MLS than in NHL. Not higher than NBA, though.

Smartest business move MLS has made is putting "soccer specific" stadiums that seat about 20,000 in most markets. At that capacity, they can charge high ticket prices because they don't have too much excess, and many teams have a waitlist for season tickets. If every stadium had 50,000 seats, most fans would feel no need to buy season tickets or even half-season plans, because you could always get tickets at the stadium on game day.

And yes, it helps to have 17 home games instead of 41. NBA and NHL season tickets are much less appealing now because of the secondary markets like StubHub. Few NBA or NHL season ticket holders are so un-busy that they can make it to all 41 home games anyway, and with tickets always available on the secondary market, even a dedicated fan can go to the 20 games they really want to see for less than the price of season tickets.

I agree with you on Stadium size being key to MLS success, the other factor IMO was controlled growth which I feel they are squandering which the expansion craze that has taken hold in recent years.

That is a big concern. 24, 26, 28 teams coupled with the severe restrictions on salaries is going to make it difficult to maintain quality of play.

The short/mid-term goal for MLS is to raise the quality of play to at least the level of Liga MX, but expansion makes that impossible unless they let MLS teams pay more for talent.
12-03-2017 02:34 PM
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RE: I think it's safe to say MLS is America's fifth major sport
Who would be their competition?

Arena Football?
12-03-2017 10:03 PM
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dbackjon Offline
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RE: I think it's safe to say MLS is America's fifth major sport
(12-03-2017 11:06 AM)Brookes Owl Wrote:  MLS is 5th in a 4 man race. NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL are 4 of the 5 highest revenue leagues in the world. MLS is about 15-18, somewhere around the Russian league and 2.Bundesliga. Are they sustainable? Sure, but they need to grow by nearly an order of magnitude before being compared to the other 4 American sports leagues.

Not doubting you, but would love to see the list.
12-04-2017 05:23 PM
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Brookes Owl Offline
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RE: I think it's safe to say MLS is America's fifth major sport
(12-04-2017 05:23 PM)dbackjon Wrote:  
(12-03-2017 11:06 AM)Brookes Owl Wrote:  MLS is 5th in a 4 man race. NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL are 4 of the 5 highest revenue leagues in the world. MLS is about 15-18, somewhere around the Russian league and 2.Bundesliga. Are they sustainable? Sure, but they need to grow by nearly an order of magnitude before being compared to the other 4 American sports leagues.

Not doubting you, but would love to see the list.

[Image: sports-leagues-by-revenue-9337-c600.jpg]
12-04-2017 05:34 PM
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dbackjon Offline
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RE: I think it's safe to say MLS is America's fifth major sport
(12-04-2017 05:34 PM)Brookes Owl Wrote:  
(12-04-2017 05:23 PM)dbackjon Wrote:  
(12-03-2017 11:06 AM)Brookes Owl Wrote:  MLS is 5th in a 4 man race. NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL are 4 of the 5 highest revenue leagues in the world. MLS is about 15-18, somewhere around the Russian league and 2.Bundesliga. Are they sustainable? Sure, but they need to grow by nearly an order of magnitude before being compared to the other 4 American sports leagues.

Not doubting you, but would love to see the list.

[Image: sports-leagues-by-revenue-9337-c600.jpg]

Thanks!!
12-05-2017 11:02 AM
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RE: I think it's safe to say MLS is America's fifth major sport
(12-04-2017 05:34 PM)Brookes Owl Wrote:  
(12-04-2017 05:23 PM)dbackjon Wrote:  
(12-03-2017 11:06 AM)Brookes Owl Wrote:  MLS is 5th in a 4 man race. NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL are 4 of the 5 highest revenue leagues in the world. MLS is about 15-18, somewhere around the Russian league and 2.Bundesliga. Are they sustainable? Sure, but they need to grow by nearly an order of magnitude before being compared to the other 4 American sports leagues.

Not doubting you, but would love to see the list.

[Image: sports-leagues-by-revenue-9337-c600.jpg]

Presuming this infographic is correct, I never would've guessed that the NHL would out earn the Bundesliga or La Liga. In fact, I might've considered Serie A and Ligue 1 tough competition for the NHL.

I figured the Premier League would outdo both the NBA and NHL.

I'm surprised the MLS is close to the Eredivisie. I know the Dutch league has Ajax then everyone else, but it is still far better than the MLS.
12-05-2017 12:33 PM
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C2__ Offline
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RE: I think it's safe to say MLS is America's fifth major sport
I'm mildly surprised the Premier League does better than the NBA. The NBA is an international game itself with a worldwide following and players from around the world. It even has a following in China.
12-05-2017 03:01 PM
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Wedge Offline
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RE: I think it's safe to say MLS is America's fifth major sport
(12-05-2017 03:01 PM)_C2_ Wrote:  I'm mildly surprised the Premier League does better than the NBA.

The TV contracts for Premier League are astronomical. Far greater than other European leagues. Mostly but not entirely because of the money from British TV rights.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/201...nue-growth
12-06-2017 11:50 AM
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chess Offline
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RE: I think it's safe to say MLS is America's fifth major sport
I am a season ticket holder to the Chicago Fire. I have been for 6 years or so.

The franchise has a nice fan experience. My only challenge is the stadium is so far away from my home.
12-07-2017 02:36 PM
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RE: I think it's safe to say MLS is America's fifth major sport
(12-05-2017 03:01 PM)_C2_ Wrote:  I'm mildly surprised the Premier League does better than the NBA. The NBA is an international game itself with a worldwide following and players from around the world. It even has a following in China.

Well, the same is true x1000 for the Premier League. From what I've read, Manchester United is the most followed non-Chinese team in China.
12-12-2017 12:18 PM
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Post: #17
RE: I think it's safe to say MLS is America's fifth major sport
(12-07-2017 02:36 PM)chess Wrote:  I am a season ticket holder to the Chicago Fire. I have been for 6 years or so.

The franchise has a nice fan experience. My only challenge is the stadium is so far away from my home.

That stadium is in the middle of nowhere. And try getting there via public transportation. Or even worse, getting out after a game.
12-13-2017 07:59 PM
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Love and Honor Offline
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RE: I think it's safe to say MLS is America's fifth major sport
(12-13-2017 07:59 PM)Owl 69/70/75 Wrote:  
(12-07-2017 02:36 PM)chess Wrote:  I am a season ticket holder to the Chicago Fire. I have been for 6 years or so.

The franchise has a nice fan experience. My only challenge is the stadium is so far away from my home.

That stadium is in the middle of nowhere. And try getting there via public transportation. Or even worse, getting out after a game.

Some people are planning to build a 20K-seat stadium right on the river in Lincoln Park/Bucktown for a USL franchise, that's probably close to the best place to put a stadium imo. Don't know how long the Fire's lease is, but maybe one day they'd move into the city. Bridgeview is an awful location for most people, though I can kinda see the rationale since the land was probably cheap and it's so difficult for residents in the southwest part of the area to even go to a Sox game (let alone the Cubs or other teams) that they could maybe carve out a niche, but for everyone else it kills any chance of getting interested.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/c...story.html
12-13-2017 11:19 PM
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RE: I think it's safe to say MLS is America's fifth major sport
(12-12-2017 12:18 PM)VA49er Wrote:  
(12-05-2017 03:01 PM)_C2_ Wrote:  I'm mildly surprised the Premier League does better than the NBA. The NBA is an international game itself with a worldwide following and players from around the world. It even has a following in China.

Well, the same is true x1000 for the Premier League. From what I've read, Manchester United is the most followed non-Chinese team in China.

Sad, but true (from a Manchester City fan)
12-16-2017 07:06 AM
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RE: I think it's safe to say MLS is America's fifth major sport
(12-04-2017 05:34 PM)Brookes Owl Wrote:  
(12-04-2017 05:23 PM)dbackjon Wrote:  
(12-03-2017 11:06 AM)Brookes Owl Wrote:  MLS is 5th in a 4 man race. NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL are 4 of the 5 highest revenue leagues in the world. MLS is about 15-18, somewhere around the Russian league and 2.Bundesliga. Are they sustainable? Sure, but they need to grow by nearly an order of magnitude before being compared to the other 4 American sports leagues.

Not doubting you, but would love to see the list.

[Image: sports-leagues-by-revenue-9337-c600.jpg]
Where does NCAA football & NCAA basketball fall on that list? WNBA?
12-19-2017 10:31 PM
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