***US Based Soccer Leagues***

[cyfanbr]

IMHO the US does not need to be one of the top leagues for soccer to continue to grow. I actually think this path is the hardest and probably the more unlikely of all the options.

I’d much prefer that the sport grows due to exposure and giving people a reason to be interested in the sport. Meaning, more teams in more places which is what a tiered approach would most likely accomplish. If I lived in DSM, Wichita, Boise, Madison and there was a local team in the third or fourth tier. You bet I’d be going to their games and supporting the team. Meanwhile, I live a couple hours away from a couple MLS teams and couldn’t care any less about them.

 

[BryceC]

I agree with you completely on this. I'm just saying the risk/reward of this type of investment (for those with the means to do it) is far greater than other options out there. I really hope there are enough people willing to accept that risk to get it off the ground.

I just have my doubts because I've seen so many NFL/MLB/NHL/NBA teams move cities over the years, and all of those have more established fan interest. I feel like I could see a soccer owner cut his losses versus investing more into a sports entertainment market that has been ballooning somewhat dangerously for awhile.

I'm just building a wall of pessimism so I don't get too disappointed

I just don’t think American fans without any relationship to brand new clubs can survive relegation. People could blame the owners but I bet fans would bail if teams got relegated.

 

[BryceC]

IMHO the US does not need to be one of the top leagues for soccer to continue to grow. I actually think this path is the hardest and probably the more unlikely of all the options.

I’d much prefer that the sport grows due to exposure and giving people a reason to be interested in the sport. Meaning, more teams in more places which is what a tiered approach would most likely accomplish. If I lived in DSM, Wichita, Boise, Madison and there was a local team in the third or fourth tier. You bet I’d be going to their games and supporting the team. Meanwhile, I live a couple hours away from a couple MLS teams and couldn’t care any less about them.

That third or forth tier already exists in a lot of places, that would be something like the Menace.

 

[TitanClone]

IMHO the US does not need to be one of the top leagues for soccer to continue to grow. I actually think this path is the hardest and probably the more unlikely of all the options.

I’d much prefer that the sport grows due to exposure and giving people a reason to be interested in the sport. Meaning, more teams in more places which is what a tiered approach would most likely accomplish. If I lived in DSM, Wichita, Boise, Madison and there was a local team in the third or fourth tier. You bet I’d be going to their games and supporting the team. Meanwhile, I live a couple hours away from a couple MLS teams and couldn’t care any less about them.

But this is Anerica, we have to be #1 in everything...

I agree with your points but stand by the goal being #6.

 

[cyfanbr]

That third or forth tier already exists in a lot of places, that would be something like the Menace.

Steaks are different when there is no mobility. You’re on the forth tier, but maybe not good enough to win a title? When every game still matters because you don’t want to get relegated or maybe you can win a few more games above your expectation and maybe grab that last playoff or promotion spot etc.

 

[cyfanbr]

Inter Miami CF Signs Five-Time UEFA Champions League-Winning Midfielder Casemiro | Inter Miami CF

Inter Miami CF announced today that it has signed Brazilian international midfielder Casemiro. The five-time UEFA Champions League-winning midfielder joins the Club as a free agent and will remain under contract through the conclusion of the 2027 MLS Sprint Season, with an extension option until...

www.intermiamicf.com

 

[Urbandale2013]

IMHO the US does not need to be one of the top leagues for soccer to continue to grow. I actually think this path is the hardest and probably the more unlikely of all the options.

I’d much prefer that the sport grows due to exposure and giving people a reason to be interested in the sport. Meaning, more teams in more places which is what a tiered approach would most likely accomplish. If I lived in DSM, Wichita, Boise, Madison and there was a local team in the third or fourth tier. You bet I’d be going to their games and supporting the team. Meanwhile, I live a couple hours away from a couple MLS teams and couldn’t care any less about them.

I think you can see this some with MiLB and the G-League. No body actually goes because there is no real point to winning. They are subservient to their parent organizations and care more about helping them win than anything else. Back when it was the Iowa Energy it seemed like there was more support because they were their own thing and they actually cared about winning.

The other spot you can see it is the historic success of college sports. The engagement and pride for smaller locations works, but only when there is a connection to an organization that is striving to win.