MLS Under Pressure: FIFA's New Ruling and the Future of US Soccer

What does MLS need to do grow and capture the U.S. audience? How to get fans engaged with their local clubs. Also with FIFA ruling they will likely allow other leagues to play regular seasons in the United States and how it will affect the USMNT. I brought on @StanUsmnt to discuss these issues.
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[@MLSMoves]

Let me know if this will hurt MLS. Make sure you subscribe and like the video as well!

[@unggading6990]

EPL games in the US will never be as big as Messi. lol Its not even close

[@khalilshahyd9063]

​@unggading6990 and what happens when Messi is gone? There's no interest in MLS in Europe

[@TMAC803210]

@@khalilshahyd9063 MLS was doing just fine before Messi, it will be fine without him too.

[@khalilshahyd9063]

​@TMAC803210 that's not the question. The idea was to use Messi to play MLS matches in Spain. After he is gone (he is the attraction) then what does MLS sell to other markets?

[@TMAC803210]

@@khalilshahyd9063I’m not worried about MLS going to international markets, they don’t need to. MLS is in the largest sports consumer market in the world, no need to go to Europe.

[@chrisvance2562]

The NFL, MLB, NHL play in Europe every year. I really don't think EPL, LaLiga, or Bundesliga playing here would seriously impact MLS. I think it could actually drive more interest in soccer in the US.

[@davidday2373]

MLB has reg season games in México, consistentl ynow. Two and 3 game series in Monterrey and in CDMX (Mexico City). Dodgers-Padres played in Korea this year. FIFA/Europe is "Americanizing" Soccer 😂.

[@MLSMoves]

Don’t underestimate it. I think they would do very well especially if there are big clubs playing here

[@westcoastmex629]

The difference is the actual soccer fam is not loyal we want to pay for quality soccer just like the Europeans that like football they want to watch the best if possible and nothing is better than the NFL thats why NFL Europe doesn’t really take off and makes a dent on soccer

[@calc1657]

The difference is there are no serious domestic versions of the NFL, MLB, and NHL in Western Europe.

[@TMAC803210]

You have it wrong about Chicago, they ARE spending lots of money, just spending it extremely poorly. Since Covid they have spent $13M on Cuypers (too early to tell), $8M on Shaqiri (flop), $6M on Jairo Torres (flop), $5M on Navarro (pretty good), $5M on Gimenez (underwhelming). They are the walking red flag for owners who are told just spend $ and you’ll be good. They haven’t been to the playoffs since 2017 in a league designed for parity!!!

[@MLSMoves]

They aren’t spending wisely is a fair way to say it. They have so much potential

[@davidday2373]

Chicago Fire is a sleeping (Soccer) giant. It's a matter of the _right_ big-name signing. #PulisicToMLS Chicago will land Pulisic by 2028.

[@davidday2373]

FIFA ruling: Okay then, *LAFC vs INTER MIAMI* in Spain 🇪🇸 in 2025 -- Messi, Busque, Alba, Suarez -VS - Giroud, Bouanga, Lloris, Griezmann.

[@bluebird1954]

Inter Miami vs Real Madrid

[@davidday2373]

@@bluebird1954 But that'd just be a "friendly"

[@kalmenbarkin5708]

@@bluebird1954they can already do that now if they want.

[@r2dad282]

Do Euros pay top dollar for friendlies like Americans?

[@davidday2373]

@@r2dad282 Hey, its a foot in the door to international market, and ot wouldn't beafriendly (I'm half joking, though)

[@codycomer4623]

I don’t think “americanizing” the league is inherently bad. As a nation we’ve created dominant and profitable sports leagues at an unmatched clip. For example I love salary cap leagues because keeping the league competitive is more fun to watch and keeps fans engaged. But there absolutely are areas to improve. Personally I’d love to see the cap go to $20M and 1 DP that counts as a 1M cap hit. The “territory” thing for academy kids I think could be improved by letting teams claim from anywhere, but teams who have that “territory” have 1 week to match the offer. That way you can keep local kids in the system and grow fan bases, but also let teams look for maybe overlooked guys. And I’d love to see the regular season champion be a bigger deal, but they’ve got to balance the schedule first cuz like Moves said, it’s hard to take it seriously when you might play the revolution 3 times but never have to play LAFC or Miami.

[@MLSMoves]

MLS is going to build it their own way and that’s how they’ve always done it. I just want it to improve even if it’s in their own odd MLS way.

[@davidday2373]

Ironically, this FIFA ruling is actually "Americanizing" the sport of Soccer/Euro leagues.🤣 Major League U.S. sports play real games in foreign countries, now the foreign countries want to play real games in the U.S. MLB played in Korea earlier this season (also in Mexico?), and will be playing a series in London, England next month.

[@davidday2373]

The average MLS payroll was $17M in 2023; for 2024, payrolls might already be $20M. And MLS is increasing TAM and adding roster flexibility. The "territory thing" is of very little consequence, in either regard. Have it, don't have it... BFD. That kind of thing is just people looking to nitpick.

[@k.p.8955]

You guys are saying people are not watching (or stop watching) MLS because of roster rules? I definitely don't think that's right. I barely know about all the intricate rules but still tune in each week to support my club. I think the structure of MLS makes things very, very different. As I understand it, MLS owns the league and the teams in it. Other leagues aren't set up like that. So on one hand it hurts grassroots start-ups and local pride, on the other hand it creates a bit of security so the league doesn't fold. I know fans want our league to level up but this league is very young. It doesn't compare to any other league in the way that it functions and I'm sure they're (those in charge and owners) not going to through out the baby with the bathwater. So Community Shield isn't really a good measure for the best in the league because we don't play each team home and away like in other leagues. I like other leagues and our league is getting better slowly. Let's not rush too much. This is a big country which makes it more difficult in many ways to operate like a league in a much smaller country. This was an interesting video. Thanks fellas 👍

[@khalilshahyd9063]

Is the Croatian league a top league? No..but they produce quality players and their fans support it. Is Brasileiro a top league in world club football? No, but their fans support it with blood. The problem is that american fans think MLS needs to be THE top league in the world in order to support it. It shouldn't and it wont.

[@waynebender1032]

It needs to be one of the top leagues. It doesn't have to be the BEST in the world. But MLS needs to be near the top 5.

[@khalilshahyd9063]

​@@waynebender1032 no it doesnt. That's just american arrogance. The Brasileiro isnt a top league. Argentina doesn't have a top league. But both of those leagues are massively supported by fans. Americans need to get over yourselves. It wont be for one simple reason. We cant replicate the commercial and marketing success of the champions league as a multinational tournament. Players will continue to choose Europe because of the global appeal of that tournament. The only chance they have is combining with CONMEBOL on a hemisphere champions league.

[@netoponce09]

True bro

[@fa1509]

@@khalilshahyd9063we should combine both competitions for both north and South America for Copa, champions league but America needs pro rel do what Brazil does

[@Jeffisboredd]

@@khalilshahyd9063god dam you’re spitting bruh, mls should’ve been in copa libertadores along time ago but here they’re trying to make dry ass leagues cup a thing

[@michaelpeli2429]

I think it could actually draw more interest in soccer, then you could go watch your closest local team after you get into the sport. MLS being different than the other leagues can actually be a good thing, particularly keeping the salary cap. It's just that the salary cap is so low. MLS will always be niche, but ideally it could be as big as NHL, which has team wages in the 80-90 million range. So, if MLS builds up to this range with 2-3 game changer DPs, it could be a way more interesting league from top to bottom. It would probably never have a Real Madrid, but every team would have a chance, and more of the matches would be competitive. If people are too worried about that many dps, then have them pay luxury tax, which would keep raising the boats of the lower teams. More secondary tournaments that allow the lower leagues will give a taste of the pro/rel feeling, as long as they have access to play mls and liga mx teams in a tournament, which is more realistic and exciting watching a cinderella run as opposed to languishing all year in the upper leagues.

[@Coolwhip899]

I really don't think the MLS rules and the "Americanization" matters at all. If you have top quality people will watch and that's it. NFL, NBA etc have no problem with "American" rules. If anything its just another layer of fandom IMO and the casuals don't care either way they just want to watch good soccer

[@MLSMoves]

I think MLS teams should play in Europe. Especially Inter Miami

[@Coolwhip899]

@@MLSMoves Not a bad idea, but I can't wait till MLS would be able to play in Europe on merit. I think we will get there it is just going to be slower than we hope and MLS will slowly move in the direction we are all hoping and you guys described. The process has been slow, but I can't argue with the results. This is a much different league than 1995

[@davidday2373]

Yeah, and what rules are we even talking about that are so different? The calendar thing is an old, tired discussion.

[@khalilshahyd9063]

​@@MLSMovesand when Messi is gone then what?

[@davidday2373]

@@khalilshahyd9063 Messi is a stepping stone, MLS will _continue_ to grow with or without Messi. And the idea of playing league game in other countries is as a novelty, as a sideshow, anyway.

[@davidday2373]

Liga MX 🇲🇽 games in SoFi Stadium will be cool to watch, I gotta admit. I'd imagine theyll have a couple of Playoff games at SoFi, Rose Bowl, Raiders Stadium, Cowboys Stadium, or NRG Stadium each season.

[@MLSMoves]

They will be playing many games here now. 💵💵💵

[@davidday2373]

@@MLSMoves Monterrey Rayados vs Tigres UANL are already scheduled to play in San Antonio Alamodome in Oct, iirc.(friendly)

[@senatorlainez]

Laker and Celtic fans talking soccer. Love to see it. #MambaForever

[@JT-rx1eo]

What can we do to improve MLS? Keep growing the wage bill of the teams. It's economics. Get better players. Now, how to do that? That's a different question and above my head.

[@sportsprophetTV]

Big leagues coming to United States overall will only encourage more growth & fan support for soccer in the states (in general). Going to see an EPL game in NYC or LA will be a novelty experience, it won’t hurt MLS in any way Imo.

[@MLSMoves]

I hope you’re right

[@davidday2373]

Europe is desperate. This ruling will have unintended consequences. It could backfire in their face. Time will tell.

[@waynebender1032]

​@@davidday2373How are they desperate?

[@TMAC803210]

@@waynebender1032playing games out of your home country is desperately seeking more money. European teams are desperate to enter the American market because there’s much more money here.

[@davidday2373]

​@@waynebender1032 Every EURO5 league, in their most recent domestic Broadcasting Rights deal, have experienced a DROP in Revenue compared to their previous deal. We don't see that in U.S. Major League sports (e.g. In College Football, they're _expanding_ the Playoffs and the projected Broadcast Revenue is INCREASING by 2x). Also, LIGUE1 just contracted from 20 to 18 teams "for financial reasons." LA LIGA president has publicly accused the EPL of "doping" their rosters with "extra money."

[@jfifield20]

I don't think having a handful of Euro League games in the US will hurt MLS. Now what could significantly hurt them is if people with deep pockets decided to move some current or expansion La Liga Mx teams to the US. Imagine 2-4 La Liga Mx teams in US. There are major US markets available with huge Mexican heritage populations like Phoenix, CA (Inland Empire, Fresno or Orange County), Las Vegas, San Antonio, or Tucson, AZ? They would pack out stadiums here and the extra money coming into the league could massively boost the quality and popularity of the whole league.

[@davidday2373]

So... Chivas USA in Phoenix? Dude, that idea already failed. Liga MX will definitely have official games in the U.S. SoFi Stadium, Cardinals Stadium, Raiders Stadium, Cowboys Stadium, NRG Stadium, Alamodome, Snapdragon Stadium.. and it'll be fun to see.

[@jfifield20]

@@davidday2373 And Chivas USA was not a true La Liga Mx team with the same quality of a real La Liga team. You also would need 2- 4 teams in US for rivalries to develop. IDK, maybe it wouldn't work but if you market it right I think it would be successful. Also if US teams make more money for all La Liga Mx teams, then they can start being a factor in attracting more talent from across the world... which should in turn garner more fans and attention.

[@davidday2373]

@@jfifield20 Xolos vs Chivas or America at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego is the best alternative.

[@jfifield20]

@@davidday2373 not anymore. San Diego is getting an MLS team next year

[@davidday2373]

@@jfifield20 I know, but before this FIFA ruling, Xolos were not allowed to play real games in San Diego. Now that they can, Xolos versus the bigger LigaMX teams could be worth doing.

[@shaneg9081]

I can't see it seriously hurting MLS, if at all. Supporters in the big European leagues will riot if all of their big games are suddenly being played in America. Just remember what happened when the Super League was announced. People were in the streets protesting their own clubs. Just try to tell Arsenal fans that the home game against Spurs will be played in NYC or LA or absolutely any place that isn't the Emirates Stadium. Try to tell ManU fans that their home game against City won't be played at Old Trafford. The supporters will not stand for it. Even non-rivalry games being taken away will get the local supporters angry. Every game is someone's home game, and they won't want that taken away from them.

[@HarveyWallbangers2]

Agreed. Also, there are three separate fan bases in America: MLS fans, American Eurosnobs, and Liga MX fans (mostly people with roots to Mexico). A lot of us MLS fans aren’t that interested in European teams and the American Eurosnobs aren’t going to suddenly support MLS (nothing MLS does is right in their eyes). It’s too bad because if those fans watched MLS, the salary cap would probably double and MLS would instantly be better than Liga MX and probably rivaling the Brazilian league. It’s okay though. We like are little parity-driven league because of how fun it is.

[@RDRevolver8282]

​@@HarveyWallbangers2I lean towards the eurosnob category, but I still show support to help grow soccer in this country. What I don't like is how it seems like money is the only thing that matters to the people running the show, and looks like they want to be a monopoly. Not to mention the league seems pretty plastic in every way, partially because of the lack of history and culture.

[@nahyoudontsay7537]

@@HarveyWallbangers2 open the league to pro/rel and more people would be given a reason to watch.....or don't and keep the status quo. Don't blame "eurosnobs" because MLS hasn't given them a reason to tune in.

[@kalmenbarkin5708]

The big Spanish clubs (Madrid and Barca) are still to this day all in on the SuperLeague riots be damned. The reason it’s not happening at least for now is the big English clubs are scared of their government and the German clubs are scared of their fans. La Liga don’t give half a shit what it’s fans want.

[@michaelwalker7400]

These leagues will also make sure that the teams losing games at home aren't their big name teams.

[@mrjgilbert]

10000% agree on ticket prices. MLS has decided they want to be the sports league of the upper and upper middle class. That’s it.

[@justinheel4035]

Also, great guest! 👍

[@justinheel4035]

I hope USL implements Pro/Rel. This model works almost everywhere else in the world for a reason. The unpredictability of it is what makes it work. Obviously these MLS owners wouldn’t go for it. So let USL do this and eventually force MLS into it.

[@SuperSirianRigel]

Brazil actually hasn't been very good outside of Neymar in awhile. They are a country that expects to win the World Cup. And they haven't done that in several tournaments. Even had to sit back and watch Messi and Argentina do what they just can't right now in the last World Cup. And I think part of that problem is the Brazilian league isn't anything like it used to be. So I don't want MLS to turn into the Brazilian league. I want them to be better than that. To the point that Americans Want to stay and play in MLS. And that will first start to happen when the league changes their ridiculous salary cap and transfer rules so they can bring in better players from Other countries and increase the perception of the league here AT HOME. Once some more top talent from everywhere plays in MLS then kids growing up here at home will start wanting to play in MLS.

[@morosz1159]

I think you’re right but I’m worried that the u.s isn’t producing enough players to compete with possible top world talent that would be coming to mls. Right now the usmnt has maybe 5 starters in top European leagues and that’s if you consider eredevise top. If mls becomes around the level of French league would we see this current usmnt squad start on that level of mls teams? That’s my concern but maybe it needs to be done so we can see it play it and maybe since the league will be more competitive more kids will grow up watching it and playing it and more resources for development will produce more competitive players that will be able to play in a higher quality mls. But my concern is is that if that happens for example in the next 4 years and somehow mls become to top 5 European quality level why how would u.s players play in this league. The vast majority wouldn’t be good enough with the exception of 3 to 6 players

[@SuperSirianRigel]

@@morosz1159 I doubt it grows That fast. But it does need to be kinda quick. But trust me, even though in the short term it would seem like MLS is just a foreign league playing in the USA... It would quickly change perception and maybe the Next generation of kids growing up will start picking soccer instead of football and basketball all the time. Which means some of the most physically talented players in the world will be playing soccer for the MLS and USMNT. American kids that chose soccer instead of the other sports.

[@morosz1159]

@@SuperSirianRigel yup I think you’re right but curious how the usmnt does during that early foreign league phase

[@SuperSirianRigel]

@@morosz1159 Well. We also have to consider one other factor. What effect will the 2026 World Cup have on soccer fandom in the USA? I think it kinda depends on if the USMNT manages to make a good run. It might have a Real effect IF the USMNT can over perform and make it really far. I think a semi-final run might make a bit of a difference. But honestly the USA becoming world champs is probably the only outcome that will make a sudden HUGE change on the sport in the USA. And I don't see that happening. But all we can do is wait and see. Ha ha. As far as what you were talking about... Idk... Even if that suddenly happened like next year. It'll still sorta depend on the World Cup's effects first. But I don't think USMNT will be great overnight no matter if ALL the best scenarios happen all at once. Even a World Cup win would probably be some miracle fluke thing and they would drop off for a bit afterwards. But it all could become really different once the newer players start being old enough to play for the USA.

[@OMAOILRIAN]

You’re right. American soccer isn’t European football. The MLS is where washed up world players come to get paid out at the end of their careers. The MLS won’t be taken seriously until top talent from around the world want to play their entire career in the MLS. The MLS won’t operate under the superior relegation/promotion system that is a hallmark of soccer around the world. Since they won’t do it, they then need to adopt the MLB model. MLB has Triple A, Double A, and Single A ball. These are development leagues that do more than just hone talent. They are in local communities. Most people support their local minor league club, and some of them will then support the MLB parent club. Imagine the U-21 clubs and U-18 clubs being in local communities drumming up enthusiasm and support for the MLS parent club. Imagine being able to track that player from the U-18 all the way to the MLS. We don’t do that here. Hell, Manchester United u-18 have been exciting to watch. The WSL should merge with the MLS in the same way they’ve done in the EPL. Each men’s side has a women’s side. All to support the club, be it Man Utd, Chelsea, etc.

[@nerychristian]

Los Angeles is a beautiful city

[@jjandorliadul]

🎵They paved paradise, put up a parking lot🎵

[@WhoTFisGreg]

I think the base salary cap needs to go up to 20 million and keep the DP rules to make sure clubs can still sign bigger names

[@marin2435]

Youth development is key. Tired of youth soccer in America ruining our game because the fees drag too many people way from taking part in it.

[@kalmenbarkin5708]

Right now the system is the same in the US and England. Anyone can try out at a free academy and every club that can afford one has one. Not everyone gets in to a free academy though. And if you can’t get in - in the US or England you gotta pay to play. The only notable difference is many more clubs in England can afford to have free academies. If you want more US clubs to be able to afford it go pay for tickets at your local lower division club.

[@thesoccerdude09]

Great guy

[@merycastro2608]

Check your facts . Brasílian league pats very well

[@davidday2373]

@29:03 - @MLSMoves This should be stated up-front. You don't want Parity in MLS, you want super-teams in L.A., NYC and Miami.

[@TMAC803210]

Yeah no thanks, they can go watch the prem or Bundesliga if you just want to see the richest teams always win. Good to see europe starting to follow the US lead for sports. Part of why American leagues are so popular is the actual skill it requires to smartly build teams under the same resources as everyone else. There’s so little skill to what Bayern or Man City has done.

[@Steve56179]

Most leagues globally have a few super teams and the rest, anyway.

[@davidday2373]

@@Steve56179 In Soccer, yeah. But in our Major League sports we have a higher degree of Parity.

[@davidday2373]

@@TMAC803210 Exactly. Even the "dominant teams" in US Major Leagues are actually not all that dominant. In the Tom Brady/Patriots reign, 10 OTHER TEAMS also won the Super Bowl in that era (2001-2018).

[@Leo_messia]

MLS without a promotion and relegation is a piece of trash that no one recognizes

[@andrewgraham6339]

One game per season. Just one Then it leads to two Then three Then four Like the NFL games in London. It was unique. It was great to see the Steelers in London but it was more like a treat. Once the Premier League starts making money from this, then it will be a feature of the system. Also…there are kids playing football in the streets in America. In the suburbs, the schemes and the plains. You just need to figure out how to develop and grow these players. The talent is there.

[@sudano9958]

FIFA has financial fair play rules and rules signing kids.

[@MrLT-vf3wr]

FIFA likes to pretend they have say in domestic leagues. They don't. Not one of the big leagues was looking for this and I will guarantee the EPL will not have games played outside of England/Wales ( if applicable) within the next two decades.

[@merycastro2608]

Sorry man . Hardford athletics needs to invest 500 millions . No one and I mean no one would invite you in to their club unless you pay the same membership that they have . Pro relagation would work if promoted teams were willing to pay 500 millions to the team that is relagated. Would you pay ? When you talk about someone else’s money , it is easy throw outlandish statements

[@u82zar]

I am late I this topic but the whole reason behind the “allowing other leagues to play official matches in the USA” is because of Liga MX. mark my words. Liga MX will play official matches in the USA and make money in the entire Southwest Chicago and some eastern USA region. Mark my word.

[@merycastro2608]

Sorry guys , but you guys want to much . The NASL and the other leagues went bankrupt because of the crazy spending you guys are talking about. May be additional young dp rules . The league is not at a point where you can justify signing players for 50 millions . If you are business man you do not waste money recklessly either. European teams are severely in debt. That is not healthy

[@raulbarron5250]

We can ultra-Americanize and make it better! I have a great idea I want to put out to the world of mls but I’m scared it’ll be stolen from me

[@r2dad282]

NASL tried that in the 70's re: LOTG. But if we are going to draw top US players, we will also need top coaches (which we don't).

[@davidday2373]

​@@r2dad282 You haven't heard his idea, you don't know if it would be like NASL.

[@davidday2373]

What's the idea, no one's going to steal it. I have my own ideas but nothing earth-shattering.

[@Jeffisboredd]

No one cares about both of your ideas, they’re equally stupid. You’re free to share.

[@westcoastmex629]

I grew up in Los Angeles and lived in Compton CA right next to Carson CA i used to buy season tickets for the LA Galaxy i was fired up about having a local team in my own backyard in 2011 i moved to Las Vegas and got disconnected from the MLS and went back to watching FC Barcelona which I’ve been watching since 2000. I think Fifa allowing these official outside league games is a terrible idea .spanish soccer for spaniards EPL for British and MLS for Americans we cannot build a soccer culture if we have all these outsiders pulling potential fans away sorry diversity is not a strength when it comes to building a solid foundation .its obvious that the Messi thing was a money grab it didn’t work in the 70s with Pele (GOAT) it didn’t work in the early 2000s With Beckham it doesn’t work Thats why the liga MX very rarely brings on a big veteran name the last one was Ronaldinho . The MLS has not grown the liga MX has dropped because all the internal changes no promotional/relegation league the foreigner cap has been eased to 5 plus per team why develop when its cheaper to buy already developed young players from south America those are the problems the liga MX got in to causing a big drop in the national team . The MLS needs to do what the liga MX stopped doing and not focus on bringing in washed up players.

[@DrScottAJones]

I don't understand. You seem knowledgeable, but there is basketball in the background of both screens. I'm distracted

[@MLSMoves]

We love our basketball teams too lol

[@agn855]

​@@MLSMoves - would love to hear your argument once your spouse is asking about your commitment to her? MLSMoves: _"Honey, we love our lovers too!"_

[@ziggyarbani4582]

Are you sure it’s not Dick Cheney’s idea???

[@sudano9958]

Yeah let's not have Champions League like playoffs with winners advancing, just the top team points win's Europe. The contradiction of all these hot takes is mind numbing. To get better MLS has to Pay for big players but sell young players to Europe for USMNT to become better. Huh?

[@MLSMoves]

Right now all of young players need to go to Europe if they are good enough. We need more players between the age of 25-29 here who are good to improve the quality

[@sudano9958]

@@MLSMoves Setting all European leagues as all inclusive better than MLS doesn't start your point well. What does ALL young players mean? Just not feasible nor specific enough. We have alot of 25-29 in the league already. Just too imprecise points. I like your content, but your points apply to all leagues and players. If any club, league, or country could spend whatever they like it would be better. It's easy to spend other people's money when you don't see the books or don't know the history of the game. Slow growth is the only reason we have the sport in this country on solid footing being run by smart business men but you know better. They lost almost 2 years of revenue with the pandemic and yet you want them to double the cap a few years after that. CBA was to end in 25 and major things would have happened, renegotiated through 27 because of Covid so we'll all have to be patient. Cap/Gam/Tam is about 10 mil with 3 DP's. That will jump alot in 28

[@Billnam691]

You talk about making fans think about the kids, and you don't know the effect on the kids and the effects the kids on their parents, you can't change overnight I lived in New York all my life never thought about europeon football, all I wanted was to see mickey Mantle and the Yankees, it's going to take time, Messi and friends are introducing elite football to the states, its not the stadiums and prices the country has to get into it they won't be here too much longer and then what you have to hope he and one or two friends get involved in management when they stop and start developing the sport, you just can't ask a country to like a sport after football basketball and baseball has been in families rooting for teams for ages, let it evolve help it evolve and maybe things these players are doing will be the first step.

[@zachr973]

Pro rel would be so awesome. I'm in Syracuse, NY and in theory my city would have a lower league club with the potential to move up.

[@kopite4434]

The CONCACAF region in general has a weak foundation for Soccer. They seem to know the issue but don't want to fix it. In the local aspect, if investors don't see money coming in, they're not gonna bother and sadly it cannot be a proper investment in thw States because as your guest said, it hasn't stopped being niche and this is one of the foundations that on a local level, the community and the city and state politicians can work to make it change From the Foundation. How are we gonna change anything when the sport isn't even promoted on a local scale? Kids are chilling at home playing on a mobile device instead of being out in the parks playing the game, because instead of developing parks or spots with Futsal, or indoor soccer or foot7 or regular football grounds, they make Fuckin Tennis Courts! TENNIS COURTS! who in the shit plays Tennis in SoCal in cities where a Massive part of the Demographics happens to be Latin. This was an issue I had growing up. It was as if the game was fuckin Forbidden! We had to modify the tennis courts to play and that was until some guard came and bitched at us. We had jump fences and discretely play in school American football fields in the summer, we had to modify some shit rocky, grassy areas at the parks and use our backpacks and sweaters as goal posts because we had no access to proper places that influence soccer growth. In my area, we couldn't even use the street. Very different from crossing the border and you'd see kids playing in their own streets soccer and at least 1 local park with 2 of the worst looking goal posts id ever seen with a concrete ground, but guess what? That's how you promote a sport when you want it to grow, not keep it hidden from the main public where the only way you can access is Via subscription. If they would put more interest in the local communities, the demographics and give them the resources, you would see massive players joining ranks and reserves from all southern US guaranteed! All the way from California to Florida, Especially from CA, AZ, NM and TX states! We still have a lot of ground to cover. We can do it, and we should be aiming to be the American Continent Netherlands, not Brazil

[@Coolwhip899]

Feel you Adam. USMNT has been my club team since 2002

[@robertdodd6561]

I think the borroughs teams is a good idea. But you've got to make it affordable for the teams to set up. No gigantic franchise fees. Have a MLS second division for new teams. Local teams in New York and other cities would mean cheaper tickets, less travel distance, derby games. Look at London, so many teams within a stone's throw of each other Chelsea, Fulham, Arsenal, Spurs, Palace, and so on.

[@wilsongv95]

we need to get rid of the Pay for Play teams.. USA has too many migrants that can't afford these little league club teams and the talent is going to waste.

[@morosz1159]

The problem is that there needs to be more teams that develop talent in general. If you are good enough the pay to play doesn’t matter much because you get a scholarship to play that’s what happens to good low income players. I knew plenty that played in expensive clubs but were on scholarship.But there just aren’t enough teams in general developing players .

[@jjandorliadul]

I know that ultimately fans are cheering for thier rich dude's team vs another rich dude's team but my god, I could never support a team that's named after some consumer product.

[@etgoodman7]

Like Bayer Leverkusen

[@michaelpeli2429]

MLS just needs to stop stumbling over their own feet. Even a small changes like raising the max pay by 400-500k would put max pay over 1 million and therefore TAM players over 2 million. There are a lot of good quality players you could get for that. We don't have to beg players to move here anymore, we are actually turning them away now, which is ridiculous. Also, at least double the cap and raise the min to 200k or more. They should reward teams for winning tournaments like the CCC by letting them convert the prize money into GAM or player bonuses. MLS needs to get over not promoting tournaments they don't financially control, and just promote the teams in whatever tournaments they are part of.

[@MLSMoves]

The rules are too complicated for the average fan to follow. They need an overhaul but idk when that will realistically happen.

[@michaelpeli2429]

@MLSMoves agreed, but I'm just looking for realistic easy small changes, too, because I don't have a lot of faith that mls will open things up like they should.

[@fit_man_cam1713]

First thing that HAS to happen is a dramatic increase in the salary cap. Like double it immediately. These incremental cap increases are handcuffing owners who actually want to spend more on all of their roster spots, not just the dp spots. It's also holding back overall league quality from growing along with it's current growth in popularity.

[@MLSMoves]

I agree. They need to spend more than what they are currently

[@pllsuperfan4ever256]

It’s a niche league I love watching soccer I watch premier leagues

[@MLSMoves]

MLS will be big one day

[@tedtran4582]

It's not the Intl club playing in NA that MLS needs to worry about. It's if and when the USL implements ProReg (hopefully soon) that MLS needs to worry about. The MLS right now seems just like a money league system setup to enrich the club owners, there are not many fans-ownership interactions. Yes, people in NA are used to the franchise model, but seeing how things progressed in the UK and EU over the super league debacle, quite a few NA soccer fans have started questioning, "Why do I have to use my hard earned money to support this money grab league?" USL do the fans right and implement ProReg soon, it's what the fans want.

[@JT-rx1eo]

Doesn't MLS through SUM get a cut of the money these foreign clubs make playing their domestic league games in the U.S?

[@MLSMoves]

Not sure about that tbh

[@christianmatts_bk]

dont really watch spots, other than premier league, whats the point of mls playoffs?

[@davidday2373]

Wow. This guy is part of the problem. If he abandoned his NY/NJ Metro Red Bulls for those reasons, you think hes sticking with a Relegated, USL/Next Pro/mls2 version of his team?? How could you argue IN FAVOR OF Pro-Rel when you are the exact reason why Pro-Rel would not work here.

[@davidday2373]

Reasons to abandone your team: - Low-level caliber of play - Not enough time - Better alternatives - Boring team Exact arguments AGAINST Pro-Rel.

[@agn855]

@@davidday2373 - in Europe you relegate/promote with your team. In the USofA it’s the mercenary aspect that is killing the game. Moving a club like you’re moving a franchise would become suicidal. No one would join a "traitor" team that has left his grown established community for money. Columbus had understood that. Low-level caliber of play? Means, you’re finally not staying with *your* team? Lousy. Not enough time? Lame excuse. D'ya really believe Europeans don’t have children? Better alternatives? You deserve to be treated as a (replaceable)customer, not a fan.

[@davidday2373]

@@agn855 Yeah but in Europe they don't have the RAMS 🏈, the DODGERS ⚾, the USC TROJANS 🏈, the CLIPPERS 🏀, the KINGS 🏒, the RUNNIN' REBELS 🏀...to also be a fan of. Here in the U.S. it's not just one Soccer team that we follow all year.

[@davidday2373]

@@agn855 Europe has teams in 1st Division, in the Big5, that average 9,000 or less in attendance. That is not "Top Flight" status in US Major Leagues, that level of fan support would not be tolerated.

[@davidday2373]

@@agn855 The team with the WORLD'S LARGEST total attendance in any sport are the L.A. Dodgers, since _MOVING_ from New York to Los Ángeles in 1958. They average 3.5 Million attendance per season.

[@jefffch]

MLS gets people in the stadiums with old top players from overseas. MLS is a rest home.

[@eboethrasher]

bullshit. We don't have any older players like that in Columbus and we have sellouts week in and week out. The time period when we had an "older player" was in 2007-2010, Guillermo Barros Schelotto, and he led us to our first MLS Cup in 2008, along with the Supporters' Shield, and was MLS Cup and league MVP that season. He really worked with the younger players and taught them a lot. And he could still PLAY balls out. It isn't a rest home, but clowns like you don't take the time to know better.

[@ICYMIKE]

MLS has too many teams and is a retirement league. It has no history still. Liga MX is a better product than MLS. MLS has a terrible structure with Apple TV. It's just not a good product.

[@davidday2373]

Play in MLS or you dont exist. I couldn't care less about U.S. players who are playing in Europe.

[@CoachSeanUT]

This dude claiming that MLS is playing their young players... they are buying young players and superstars and shipping off others. Heck, even UPSL and USL are doing as well with their academies or better

[@zgdafzgdaf4264]

So far I don’t like the MLS model. Why wait till people get to retirement to join MLS. I’m frustrated seeing players get sold off that players could be helping my team this year. The model is broken.

[@jayh3283]

I don’t support MLS. Not any more. I gave up hope on it back in 2017 because it’s not a serious league and they only cater to casuals that come off more as sports entertainment pro wrestling type fan who values gimmicks than actual sport. If it’s not controlled a certain way, they don’t like it. I love sports for the competitiveness and I want to see our league be more ambitious on top of US Soccer. As of now, I cannot root for MLS and the growth of US Soccer at the same time because what’s best for MLS is not best for US Soccer. The NBA and NHL are not great because they strive to be different from their foreign competitors, they are great because the college to pro pathway was proven good enough to have an entertaining league because the players are very talented, very competitive, and extremely passionate about the sport despite the major leagues not being structurally competitive. Those players are the ones that make those leagues while those major leagues do not make the players. On top of that, those sports benefit from its foreign counterparts not being televised well enough in United States to gain the attention and appeal of our players as an alternative. It’s either the American leagues or nothing. Major League Soccer does not have that. There are over a dozen soccer leagues with a better TV and streaming deal than MLS in United States. Paramount+, Peacock, and ESPN+ are cheaper than AppleTV. There is nothing appealing about MLS to buy that monthly subscription especially when I can buy a cheaper streaming service with better soccer leagues. MLS is at best a stepping stone league and a retirement league at worse. Because of it’s gimmicks using near retired players, that is the reputation that will stick with them more so than the stepping stone image. I refuse to praise MLS for its free to play academies when their league was built off the backs of pay for play independent academies and college soccer programs for most of its existence. Now they are acting like they are to good for US Soccer after using its resources to get where their at and favors a system that makes sure most of the country will remain without a free to play academy. I don’t care how much non-local academies MLS teams open, you cannot develop soccer talent like the other American leagues. That attempt is lazy and short sighted because it took sports generations to build their dominance through other Americans striving to be great. You are not doing that when forcing parity which forces inconsistency. Northeastern USA have a population close to Italy and the Midwest have a population higher than United Kingdom, yet I supposed to believe 30 clubs with free to play academies is good enough to develop talent on a national scale.

[@Nazarene_Judaism]

It's not "soccer" its FOOTBALL.

[@agn855]

Means the Italians aren’t playing calcio?

[@Jeffisboredd]

no top US player should be in MLS before 30 sorry

[@MLSMoves]

It depends on how the WC lineups. Pulisic can come here after WC26 which I expect him to

[@Jeffisboredd]

@@MLSMoves@MLSMoves that's a disgrace with all due respect.

[@eboethrasher]

Bullshit. The league will never improve without it. Many of them will rot on benches in Europe. Piss off with that attitude. You don't give a shit about the league and I don't give a shit about your terrible opinion.

[@user-on8vj7dh9e]

A closed league like the MLS will not grow amongst fans around the world, no promotion or relegation makes for an unexciting and boring product, trying to hard to base your league on the NFL format, try looking how the rest of the world does it and copy ? Simple, but the problem is MLS owners they want to make all the money for them selves and be guaranteed a place at the top table without earning it they think they can buy sporting success at the expense of the sport itself

[@eboethrasher]

Bullshit, some people enjoy the fact that the salary cap makes it interesting, because every team can compete, rather than just 5 overspending clubs year in and year out.

[@joeyfosterWVU]

If FIFA allows the EPL to play in America MLS is done for!

[@MLSMoves]

They are the most popular league in the world and U.S. if MLS doesn’t do it right it could hurt them pretty bad

[@davidday2373]

It'll be a handful of games, no huge impact.

[@TMAC803210]

This just isn’t based in reality.

[@kalmenbarkin5708]

That must be why the Japanese baseball league fell apart this year right? After all the most popular baseball league in the world (MLB) played a few games in Japan. Same must have happened to the Swedish hockey league the Korean baseball league the Mexican basketball league and even the German American football league. Right? After all a bigger/better more well known league of the same sport playing a few games in your country destroys the domestic league. Right? Update I’m hearing that none of those leagues collapsed and some actually saw a bump after the MLB NFL NHL and NBA played games there.

[@lkrnpk]

It’s not like EPL will move to America, probably maybe a game or two…

[@Sam7my1ed]

Let us start with: It´s Football, not soccer!!

[@MLSMoves]

Lol

[@danielabatabogdanov8586]

The English came up with the word soccer! Also there are loads of words that are different in the USA compared to England just like there are different words used in Ireland vs England. I don´t see the problem at all.

[@ElondonOSRS]

MLS can’t afford for other leagues to come here!

[@MLSMoves]

It just depends on what MLS does to make the quality better

[@agn855]

Welcome to the "holistically" - drinking game

[@antonioguerreiro1615]

MLS is a pub league

[@WhoTFisGreg]

I think the base salary cap needs to go up to 20 million and keep the DP rules to make sure clubs can still sign bigger names

[@WhoTFisGreg]

I think the base salary cap needs to go up to 20 million and keep the DP rules to make sure clubs can still sign bigger names

[@WhoTFisGreg]

I think the base salary cap needs to go up to 20 million and keep the DP rules to make sure clubs can still sign bigger names

[@WhoTFisGreg]

I think the base salary cap needs to go up to 20 million and keep the DP rules to make sure clubs can still sign bigger names

[@MLSMoves]

I agree. They need to spend more