David Beckham to play for L.A. Galaxy

[onlydarksets]

Apparently the deal is worth $250 MILLION over 5 seasons. How is that possible? I've been to MLS games - the seats are empty.

David Beckham to play for L.A. Galaxy - Yahoo! News

[724Skinsfan]

It's thought to be possible because Beckham was brought in to fill those seats. I'm not sure this is supposed to work during Beckham's contract but if they can draw in more fans to the game. Couple that with the youth soccer movement and you might see soccer gaining in relevance even more in the next 5-10 years.

[Gmanc711]

Originally Posted by 724Skinsfan

It's thought to be possible because Beckham was brought in to fill those seats. I'm not sure this is supposed to work during Beckham's contract but if they can draw in more fans to the game. Couple that with the youth soccer movement and you might see soccer gaining in relevance even more in the next 5-10 years.

250 Million Dollars? I mean yeah, he'll draw some interest....but not that type of interest. Do they think we're going to see MLS games on ABC/NBC and crap like that now becuase of this guy...I really dont think so. Whoever made this decision should be fired 10 times over.

[jdlea]

Originally Posted by Gmanc711

250 Million Dollars? I mean yeah, he'll draw some interest....but not that type of interest. Do they think we're going to see MLS games on ABC/NBC and crap like that now becuase of this guy...I really dont think so. Whoever made this decision should be fired 10 times over.

Well, for the first time in the league, they have a tv deal. I believe with ESPN. I know they just put that rule in this year to make it so they have 1 player on each team who doesn't count against the cap. (I think the United traded for another)

Could be interesting to see, I've always liked the World Cup, but never really gotten into the MLS. I hope they step up their level of play and start putting a decent product on the field.

At this point, I really wish the MLS would go after some of the Brazilian starts. It doesn't even have to be a Ronaldhino or a Ronaldo, they could go get Robinho and I'd be fine with that. He's one of the most exciting players in the world. However, I wouldn't mind seeing guys like Thierry Henry, Ronaldo, Christiano Ronaldo or Ronaldhino in the US at all.

[FRPLG]

Fired? I f*cking shoot them.

[GhettoDogAllStars]

I don't know the rules for MLS contracts, but I have to imagine that the entire $250 M is not guaranteed.

[BDBohnzie]

That contract is heavily laced with endorsements. Along with the new rule about 1 player not counting against the cap, I imagine the structure being the maximum salary from the MLS, and endorsements covering the rest. $1 million a week is not too shabby. Real told him to stick it...and it looks like he did well for himself.

This will set a precedent to see some of the aging European superstars come to America for one final hurrah. Ronaldo is on the verge of that. Considering he's put on a few lbs from his heyday. Should bring the level of the MLS up a bit.

I think the MLS's following will strengthen a bit with this move and an updated TV Deal (they've had a TV deal before, but now they get paid to be on TV). Should be an interesting season coming up, with the Galaxy games being a focal point on ESPN2.

[hooskins]

It is the best thing to happen to American soccer since Pele played for the NY Cosmos.

[JWsleep]

I am very leary of this move--it reminds me of how the old NASL did things, and they folded.

They need home grown talent, soccer-only stadiums, and proper loca promotion and support. The dumbest thing is the way the league ignores inner city folk, particularly recent and past immigrants from Latin America. They seem to mainly be aiming at the soccer mom crowd in the NYC area--that's one market, but there are tons of other fans the league is missing.

That being said, it will be hard, no matter what, to really make the league work. In the US, a good athlete (your typical multi-sport high school athlete) does not go into soccer. Why would you when it's so much easier to get scholarship money in football, basketball, and baseball? Plus, if you have any shot at the big three, say because you can run a 4.2 40 or something, why would you choose soccer? The chance at a serious payday is much better elsewhere. Therefore, unlike in other countries, the good athletes will never go into soccer, unless they have some special reason, like Claudio Reyna who was raised in Argentina (I believe...).

[BDBohnzie]

Originally Posted by JWsleep

I am very leary of this move--it reminds me of how the old NASL did things, and they folded.

They need home grown talent, soccer-only stadiums, and proper loca promotion and support. The dumbest thing is the way the league ignores inner city folk, particularly recent and past immigrants from Latin America. They seem to mainly be aiming at the soccer mom crowd in the NYC area--that's one market, but there are tons of other fans the league is missing.

Here in DC, the league totally caters to the Immigrant population...On any given night, I'm willing to bet that over 1/2 the crowd is of Latin descent. It also helps that they play at RFK, which is very Metro friendly. And once the new ownership (hence how Beckham got his contract, the guy who owns the Galaxy, just sold the United to a bunch of Dukies) gets a stadium deal, it'll be a soccer only stadium that will totally rock.

The league has been around 10+ years, and has been successful. It's time to broaden the horizon, and signing Beckham will not only give the league global exposure, it'll bring more money into the league, to be able to develop homegrown talent.

[JWsleep]

Originally Posted by BDBohnzie

Here in DC, the league totally caters to the Immigrant population...On any given night, I'm willing to bet that over 1/2 the crowd is of Latin descent. It also helps that they play at RFK, which is very Metro friendly. And once the new ownership (hence how Beckham got his contract, the guy who owns the Galaxy, just sold the United to a bunch of Dukies) gets a stadium deal, it'll be a soccer only stadium that will totally rock.

The league has been around 10+ years, and has been successful. It's time to broaden the horizon, and signing Beckham will not only give the league global exposure, it'll bring more money into the league, to be able to develop homegrown talent.

That's good to hear, BD. In NYC, it seems they went the other way with the "NY/NJ Metrostars". But now that they are the "Redbulls" perhaps they'll begin to tap into new markets. Plus, they are supposed to be building a soccer only stadium near Newark, in a pretty industrial area. It's very accessible by public transport, so hopefully, that will help.

[Big C]

its not only ticket sales that will increase, people will be buying beckham jerseys all over the world and mls will net some of that profit. theres a rule in mls that each team can have 1 player that doesnt count against the cap, so that big stars can come over. i like this move, we will see what happens. i think beckham will be appearing in movies and tv shows shortly

[BigSKINBauer]

250 million for 5 years. That is insane. I wish I was that good at soccer.

50 mill a year??!?! WTF?

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by BigSKINBauer

250 million for 5 years. That is insane. I wish I was that good at soccer.

50 mill a year??!?! WTF?

Well it includes endorsements. Plus the owner of the Galaxy is loaded, makes Snyder looks like a pauper.

[drew54]

*Yawn*