Does the MLS still need David Beckham?

DutchCrunch

The guys on 1410 were talking about this a bit before our last match. I thought I'd put it out for discussion here. Does MLS still need David Beckham? Certainly he has had a profound impact on the league's attendance and exposure - this cannot be denied. But is the league going to drop substantially if he had a career ending injury, for example?

My answer is no, the league doesn't need him anymore. With the opening of yet another SSS, I think the sport has grown up in enough cities that it is here to stay.

Canadianspur

I would agree that MLS does not need Golden Balls. He opened the doors the other european players coming here, increased exposure and interest and I don't think there is any turning back.

Chris

Need, no. Judging by the attendance in Montreal, though, the Beckham Effect is showing no signs of slowing down.

HolteEnder

We had 48k before the mls days. But the league could do with a few more marquee signings IMO. There are some great players around the league but they are not the ones that draw the casual fans. We are seeing fans turn up for YP Lee. If the league could have an older star like ballack, del piero, totti, etc at each team. I think it would help boost attendances and exposure in general across the league, on the flip side these players are on the downturn of their careers and looking for one last pay day.

rodderzzz

i disagree with you Holteender in the sense that Totti, Del Piero etc are all well known in football circles but Beckham was an A list celebrity on top of being a class player. Honestly there wasn't, and still isn't a player with the pull he had/has. The only one I can think of off the top of my head is Ronaldo and that aint happening anytime soon.

OldFan

The league is on very solid footing and does not need him anymore.

But we have to acknowledge what he did do. He created an environment where many cities wanted to join MLS and pushed the expansion fee from 10 million to 40 million. Attendances for games he played in went way up. He sold merchandise. A few Euro players came over.

Beckham made this league a lot of money and was worth every cent. He played hard for the most part and did not have any scandals or horrible behavior off the field to tarnish his time here. It would be good if they could find someone else to fill this role in the next couple of years. I am not sure if that type of player is out there that would have this type of marquee effect.

Lord_Bob

MLS never needed David Beckham. That doesn't mean it isn't nice to have him.

Jay_Duke

Lord_Bob said: MLS never needed David Beckham. That doesn't mean it isn't nice to have him.

And a tree doesn't need fertilizer, but it helps if you want some fruit sooner rather than later.

OldFan

Lord_Bob said: MLS never needed David Beckham. That doesn't mean it isn't nice to have him.

Expansion fee from 10 million to 40 million due to so many cities wanting in after Beckham was signed tells me otherwise.

Chris

No it doesn't. It only tells you that he made the league better, not that it was necessary to have him there.

Bad_Gones

The operative word here is "need" i.e. would the league have folded without him. Of course not.

But would the league be where it is today without Beckham's cache? I believe the answer to this is also no

OldFan

Chris said: No it doesn't. It only tells you that he made the league better, not that it was necessary to have him there.

So it was better for the league if the expansion fees were 10 million? He made the league a lot of money to do sudden demand from people wanting to bid on teams. I know I would love to NEED another 30 million here and there.

DutchCrunch

I would argue that the league did need him. I remember them interviewing Peter Vagenas last year, who has been in the league for a long time. He recalled a number of seasons in a row - before Beckham came - where all of the players would be wondering if they would be returning for another season or if the league would be folding. It was that much in shambles.

Seathanaich

MLS needed a lot of things circa 2005, because it was stagnating, it was precarious, and it could have collapsed. It was making desperate moves like allowing in Goat Farm Team, and letting it's New York (!!!) team be named after a caffeine drink, FFS.

Firstly, it needed at least one place where there were fans who acted like actual football fans. Toronto FC essentially provided that. Such behaviour was contagious.

Secondly, it needed at least one place with large attendance in a major facility. Seattle Sounders provided that.

Third, it needed a true world-class player to get the attention of people other than knowledgable fans. David Beckham provided that.

These three things allowed it to turn the corner.

Boxing_Day_Massacre

I was down in LA for the week of spring break. I was amazed how little coverage either Galaxy or Chivas got locally. Way worse than we get up here. Seems to me that whlst the Beckham effect may be felt elsewhere in the League it has largely failed at winning "hearts and minds" in LA.

OldFan

Boxing_Day_Massacre said: I was down in LA for the week of spring break. I was amazed how little coverage either Galaxy or Chivas got locally. Way worse than we get up here. Seems to me that whlst the Beckham effect may be felt elsewhere in the League it has largely failed at winning "hearts and minds" in LA.

I can certainly agree with that. He has made a huge effect on the league but not much in LA. But hockey has the same problem and they have been there over 4 decades and still get treated with a collective yawn. But all the bandwagoners will show up for the parade if they win the Cup.

TunnelBandit · Post edited by TunnelBandit at 2012-05-16 07:26:46

seathanaich said:

Firstly, it needed at least one place where there were fans who acted like actual football fans. Toronto FC essentially provided that. Such behaviour was contagious.

It seems to me that a few people here would like to dismiss this idea but I think you're spot on. Toronto's addition changed the MLS significantly and I reckon was just about important as Goldenballs crossing the ocean blue.

Neeskens1974

OldFan said:

Boxing_Day_Massacre said: I was down in LA for the week of spring break. I was amazed how little coverage either Galaxy or Chivas got locally. Way worse than we get up here. Seems to me that whlst the Beckham effect may be felt elsewhere in the League it has largely failed at winning "hearts and minds" in LA.

I can certainly agree with that. He has made a huge effect on the league but not much in LA. But hockey has the same problem and they have been there over 4 decades and still get treated with a collective yawn. But all the bandwagoners will show up for the parade if they win the Cup.

Everyone is suddenly all cock-a-hoop about the Kings though, eh.

Elisant · Post edited by Elisant at 2012-11-19 16:24:20

Looks like the MLS Cup will be Beckham's last game with LA.

lagalaxy.com/news/2012/11/david-beckham-play-his-final-game-la-galaxy-mls-cup-2012

"I've had an incredibly special time playing for the LA Galaxy, however, I wanted to experience one last challenge before the end of my playing career," Beckham said. "I don't see this as the end of my relationship with the league as my ambition is to be part of the ownership structure in the future."

krisaug5

Note I've only heard "Last game WITH LA"... Could he be off to some other MLS team?

AussieWhiteCap

Australia needs Beckham!!!!!

GoF

Could be Celtic once Snoop Dogg buys in to them!! @-)

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4653324/Neil-Lennon-welcomes-Snoop-Dogg-investment.html

Blue_and_White_Army

China.

piltdownman

Interesting that his current contract with LA is a a two year deal. Can anyone say "Re-Entry Draft"? If so looks like he is headed to TFC

Brenton

I'm imagining New York trading Marquez to TFC for his rights and TFC thinking they got a great deal.

Blue_and_White_Army

piltdownman said: Interesting that his current contract with LA is a a two year deal. Can anyone say "Re-Entry Draft"? If so looks like he is headed to TFC

It was a one-year deal with an option to return to the Galaxy in 2013, according to an article on the league website.

GoF

Or at least that's what it is now :-))

Bad_Gones

Blue_and_White_Army said: It was a one-year deal with an option to return to the Galaxy in 2013, according to an article on the league website.

How convenient ;-)

Evil_Bert

I think Beckham has taken the MLS to exciting new levels, but there is nothing more he can do as a member of the LA Galaxy.

At his age there are not many places where his services would be useful. Australia would make the most sense. Perth Glory started a bunch of rumors, but as much as I like the Glory and as potent as their offence is, I just don't see Becks fitting in with the Glory or Perth for that matter.

DannyBoy

Maybe he will invest in the NASL Cosmos? Hang out with Cantona? Become MLS team 20?

StateSide_Cap · Post edited by StateSide_Cap at 2012-11-19 21:00:06

I rather agree with Evil Bert on the Australia point. I did read something from somebody in the top offices in Perth that they were interested, but the fit isn't really right, except for perhaps the fact he has Mehmet and Smeltz to play crosses to.

From the teams I've seen (7 or 8), Brisbane seems best, maybe Melbourne Heart. The others either already have a big name (Sydney or Newcastle), or don't really seem to be a good fit (Perth or Adelaide).

tim13 · Post edited by tim13 at 2012-11-19 21:09:49

Jay_Duke said: And a tree doesn't need fertilizer, but it helps if you want some fruit sooner rather than later.

Good one! How appropriate. Becks = cow poop :) made me laugh.

"my ambition is to be part of the ownership structure in the future."

That quote actually reminded me of something I read about his contract for coming to MLS. Not only was he given 'x' amount of shirt sales, advertising and playing contracts he has the option to get a franchise at the cost when he joined LA. That would be less than 10 million for a 40 million franchise.

mayday

to answer the question, yes

AussieWhiteCap

StateSide_Cap said: I rather agree with Evil Bert on the Australia point. I did read something from somebody in the top offices in Perth that they were interested, but the fit isn't really right, except for perhaps the fact he has Mehmet and Smeltz to play crosses to.

From the teams I've seen (7 or 8), Brisbane seems best, maybe Melbourne Heart. The others either already have a big name (Sydney or Newcastle), or don't really seem to be a good fit (Perth or Adelaide).

There is 10 teams. The other Sydney side or the two from Melbourne are the only real options I see if he did go to Australia.

Brettness37

Maybe he'll buy one o the teams from AEG?

Subhedgehog

Brettness37 said:

Maybe he'll buy one o the teams from AEG?

That's the first thing I thought of when I saw Beckham's comment.

Christopher

I'm thinking he might go to Cosmos, play in their inagural season, become a part owner, work with Eric Cantona again, and get them into MLS in two or three years.

limmeister

He's verbally expressed that he's interested in becoming an owner in MLS some time in the future soon - most likely once his playing days are over (which could be very soon, actually). wouldn't be surprised if he does become an owner of the Cosmos in NY. big city. huge city branding (NY, c'mon...), closer to England, etc. etc.

Christopher

Another boon for New York is that there was a guy at IMG, Mark something or other, who would wake up, have a morning meeting in New York, fly to London, have a meeting there, fly back to New York, and have a second meeting there. Would repeat that constantly. When you have money, you can do that kind of thing. Probably not advisable for an athlete, but once Beckham's playing days are over, he could commute to New York if he wanted to, especially as I imagine he'd be working half days / on the plane at best in an executive role.

limmeister

Bring Beckham to Van, and give him a role within the staff. LOL.

what would that do for fan interest in this city. haha

prawnsideFC

limmeister said: Bring Beckham to Van, and give him a role within the staff. LOL.

what would that do for fan interest in this city. haha

ugh. Spare us the misery!

Christopher

Beckham would raise awarenss in the Whitecaps, but he's not worth the baggage. There's a reason Ferguson shipped him to Real Madrid when he wanted to stay. I can't see Rennie putting up with that crap either.

LittleBird

Is he even a top 5 player on the team at the moment? I don't think so, and I don't think he's a big loss. He was probably necessary for the league at the time but I won't miss the constant sideshow and circus.

Peacock

BBC reports Beckham to retire after the MLS Cup Final on December 1st...

piltdownman

limmeister said: He's verbally expressed that he's interested in becoming an owner in MLS some time in the future soon - most likely once his playing days are over (which could be very soon, actually). wouldn't be surprised if he does become an owner of the Cosmos in NY. big city. huge city branding (NY, c'mon...), closer to England, etc. etc.

His opposition on a franchise excludes New York and LA. So best bet is a partnership with Miami or Vegas.

Elisant · Post edited by Elisant at 2012-11-20 08:17:21

BBC now saying that Paris Saint-Germain will apparently be making him an offer. Again.

bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20411202

The 37-year-old, who has announced he is to leave Los Angeles Galaxy, intends to make a decision on his future by mid-December.

ibeep

Vegas would be the best. That city along with Portland/Seattle would be guaranteed road trips every year for my family and friends.

But out of those 2 cities I think Miami has to be the favorite.

Surreysider

ibeep said: Vegas would be the best. That city along with Portland/Seattle would be guaranteed road trips every year for my family and friends.

But out of those 2 cities I think Miami has to be the favorite.

It still boggles my mind when Miami comes up in fhanchise talks of any kind. That city has proven time and time again that it's a graveyard for pro sports teams. The Miami Dolphins never do overly well at the gate, the Heat only draw if they're winning, Panthers... next, and their Baseball team is a disaster. I know it's a big city with lots of central Americans, but I think it's time to move on

DannyBoy

^yeah, I'd think that MLS would be graduating NASL teams rather than beating dead horses.

prawnsideFC

Surreysider said:

ibeep said: Vegas would be the best. That city along with Portland/Seattle would be guaranteed road trips every year for my family and friends.

But out of those 2 cities I think Miami has to be the favorite.

It still boggles my mind when Miami comes up in fhanchise talks of any kind. That city has proven time and time again that it's a graveyard for pro sports teams. The Miami Dolphins never do overly well at the gate, the Heat only draw if they're winning, Panthers... next, and their Baseball team is a disaster. I know it's a big city with lots of central Americans, but I think it's time to move on

it is actually absurd how bad of a sports city Miami is.

Lord_Bob

As, I believe, the only Southsider who went to a Miami FC game in Miami, I view the idea of an MLS team in Miami with poorly-concealed hysteria.

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