There was talk a couple of years ago of the big Brazilian clubs finally sorting out their weird football structure and making a go of it. If they did they’d be able to stake a hold to the America’s footballing market simply down to the time zones.It'll collapse. You cannot build a league on 30+ y/o players on colossal contracts. It didn't work with the MLS in the 70s, it didn't work with the CSL, it didn't work with the Qatari league, it won't work here. Be it because imperialism or just the chokehold they have on TV rights, I can't see a non-European league becoming a top league. Maybe Brazil, but that'd be because it's Brazil.
Pretty big for the MLS. Be weird not watching him in Europe anymore
Pretty big for the MLS. Be weird not watching him in Europe anymore
Genuinely hope he gives it a good shot. The US league is far from easy, they may not be at the same technical level as the big five leagues in Europe but fitness wise it's a tough slog for older pros.
Would love to see a fully engaged Messi taking on MLS with a point to prove.
Pretty big for the MLS. Be weird not watching him in Europe anymore
I wonder when that particular bubble will burst. They seem to be thinking if they can attract the big names in the game they can grow the league. But the truth is no one cares about their clubs and deep down footballs popularity isn’t only about the players.
Problem is all those places didn't have an endless pit of money or a goal outside of football except for the case of Qatar but its worth remembering the FA gave the clubs $10m each to buy foreign players but worth remembering Qatar is a tiny place with more migrants than citizens. Also Qatar wasn't hellbent on using football then to lobby support for the country.It'll collapse. You cannot build a league on 30+ y/o players on colossal contracts. It didn't work with the MLS in the 70s, it didn't work with the CSL, it didn't work with the Qatari league, it won't work here. Be it because imperialism or just the chokehold they have on TV rights, I can't see a non-European league becoming a top league. Maybe Brazil, but that'd be because it's Brazil.
I wonder when that particular bubble will burst. They seem to be thinking if they can attract the big names in the game they can grow the league. But the truth is no one cares about their clubs and deep down footballs popularity isn’t only about the players.
They arent going to be able to just throw money at everyone though. It's going to be a certain type of person and player that is going to take the money to play in a country like Saudi Arabia and live under their laws. It's not a glamourous place. If you're already a famous multi-multi millionaire how much money do you actually need to sacrifice a comfortable, Western lifestyle? I reckon you will see a big run early of these players going there for $, then word will get back to the others that "yes I made a ton of money but it was a terrible experience" and it will cool. You'll still have paper chasers going there, and guys looking for one final large payday, but I can't see it becoming a legitimate Top 5-10 league.Problem is all those places didn't have an endless pit of money or a goal outside of football except for the case of Qatar but its worth remembering the FA gave the clubs $10m each to buy foreign players but worth remembering Qatar is a tiny place with more migrants than citizens. Also Qatar wasn't hellbent on using football then to lobby support for the country.
Saudi Arabia on the other hand has a different goal. It was to use its influence in football to influence the world stage.
They have the money to push this ridiculously far
They need to take the handbrake off. Spending on players is too restrictive. Roster rules are too cumbersome.MLS IMO (I'm from USA) did a really good job growing their brand but am hearing mixed things this year.
It was a big offseason for TV rights and Apple TV bought the rights, but not only did you have to be subscribed to Apple TV.. You had to purchase MLS season pass in addition to Apple TV.
MLS the few seasons before was contracted through ESPN+. Many people have ESPN+ because they show all the domestic English competitions, as well as Bundesliga, Eresidivie, in addition to college sports and golf access. I actually watched more MLS matches than ever due to ESPN+. This season, I've only watched one, and that was in person hahah
I bet Messi will certainly help. And tbh some of the in-person matches I've attended have been great. Esp. at the locations with "soccer"-specific stadiums.
They can't afford him.I really thought he was gonna re-sign for Barcelona, obviously he doesn’t love them that much then…
If kante gets a contract for 100m per year, you'd imagine Messi would be on at least double that. That would match what Ronaldo is on. I'd guess Messi would earn even more.You've lived a great life when you can turn down over $100M to live in Miami over Saudi Arabia.
They could if he didn’t ask for such massive wages…?They can't afford him.
It wont overtake the CL or PL, that's not their aim their aim is to sports wash and its not gonna go away any time soonThey arent going to be able to just throw money at everyone though. It's going to be a certain type of person and player that is going to take the money to play in a country like Saudi Arabia and live under their laws. It's not a glamourous place. If you're already a famous multi-multi millionaire how much money do you actually need to sacrifice a comfortable, Western lifestyle? I reckon you will see a big run early of these players going there for $, then word will get back to the others that "yes I made a ton of money but it was a terrible experience" and it will cool. You'll still have paper chasers going there, and guys looking for one final large payday, but I can't see it becoming a legitimate Top 5-10 league.