MLS will be a Top league by 2022

[Nordecke]

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/garber-mls-be-one-worlds-top-leagues-22

NEW YORK – Commissioner Don Garber says that Major League Soccer would seek to become one of the top leagues in the world by 2022 if the USA is voted host of the FIFA World Cup.

The announcement of the hosts of both the 2018 and 2022 World Cup tournaments will be made on Thursday morning at 10 a.m. ET (Fox Soccer Channel, ESPN, ESPN Deportes, Univisión & CNN International).

“We have a very specific goal,” Garber said. “If we get the World Cup, we want to be one of the top leagues in the world by 2022."

The MLS Commissioner believes that the unprecedented 12-year plan that can be created around a 2022 World Cup would allow the league to generate serious momentum in its quest to be among the world’s best.

Garber indicated that the standard would be determined by the quality of play, the size of the fan base, the television audience and the overall interest and awareness in the sport.

“If we get the World Cup, we have a 12-year plan,” he said. “And that's not just by our own measure, but how we're perceived by the rest of the world.”

 

[Elong]

Do you think this is realistic mate? I know footys a long way behind NFL and Basketball, could it compete at that level in 12 years time?

 

[spikeman]

Anythings possible. Football has defenitely grown a lot in the states in the last 12 years so I expect it to continue to grow for the next 12 years. But will the MLS be a top league by then? Probably not, but football will probably be a lot more popular than it is now

 

[Elong]

It's a good thing for world football having a strong MLS in my opinion, the biggest step will be attracting the world's best talent in their prime.

 

[Bundy]

sorry - muffin pants.

 

[icburns]

I've had the pleasure of watching soccer grow in the states, but let's be realistic... Soccer is the nation's fourth sport behind Football, basketball and (amazingly) baseball. The current structure of the MLS won't allow for international success what with the collective bargaining agreements and the generally poor profitability. The academy system is nonexistent, and I think the High School-->College-->Pro mentality that works so well for football and basketball is really inhibiting the nation's soccer development. I love the MLS as much as the next man, but I think it'll take more than 12 years for any such ascension to take place.

 

[Nordecke]

Do you think this is realistic mate? I know footys a long way behind NFL and Basketball, could it compete at that level in 12 years time?

I think if we get the bid in 2022, it will grow the MLS big time.. Top league? nah prolly not.. Much, much better than now though tenfold.

Anythings possible. Football has defenitely grown a lot in the states in the last 12 years so I expect it to continue to grow for the next 12 years. But will the MLS be a top league by then? Probably not, but football will probably be a lot more popular than it is now

The rate which MLS has grown in amazing.. Don Garber is THE man to keep this league growing.. dude has connections.. Used to be NFL Commish. By 2013 we will have 20 teams.. Says alot!

sorry - muffin pants.

Thx for your contribution to the thread Buns

I've had the pleasure of watching soccer grow in the states, but let's be realistic... Soccer is the nation's fourth sport behind Football, basketball and (amazingly) baseball. The current structure of the MLS won't allow for international success what with the collective bargaining agreements and the generally poor profitability. The academy system is nonexistent, and I think the High School-->College-->Pro mentality that works so well for football and basketball is really inhibiting the nation's soccer development. I love the MLS as much as the next man, but I think it'll take more than 12 years for any such ascension to take place.

I think that's what will have a major overhall in the so called "12 year plan" The youth programs.. Starts this year with the reserve league making a comeback..

 

[icburns]

Starts this year with the reserve league making a comeback..

A yes, forgot about that one, more good news is always welcome. I like seeing the MLS grow, but I agree that this top league business is all a bit too hopeful.

 

[Elong]

I'm amazed baseball is only third, don't they play 5 games a week or something? And always fill the stadium. Must be loads of cash in it.

 

[BlueTak]

How are the teams going to attract some big name players?

Not just players looking for a nice retirement.

 

[Rook]

There is a slight chance it could overtake hockey in 2022 but not Basketball, baseball (though baseball is slipping fast) and football.

I'm starting to think that the MLS is rapidly expanding into oblivion. Even teams with good fan support (DC United) aren't viable. There are also loser clubs like Kansas City

 

[Tubey]

I've had the pleasure of watching soccer grow in the states, but let's be realistic... Soccer is the nation's fourth sport behind Football, basketball and (amazingly) baseball.

I'd actually say fifth behind Ice Hockey too.

It's a girls sport in the USA tbh - it's like saying Netball will become the national sport in the UK in a decades time!

Perhaps that is exaggerating a bit, but I can't see the MLS rivalling England, Spain, Italy or Germany anytime soon.

 

[Rogue]

I'd actually say fifth behind Ice Hockey too.

It's a girls sport in the USA tbh - it's like saying Netball will become the national sport in the UK in a decades time!

Perhaps that is exaggerating a bit, but I can't see the MLS rivalling England, Spain, Italy or Germany anytime soon.

I think we have to question what he means when he says "Top League" - perhaps something like Netherlands or Portugal? I can see that happening within the time frame. Maybe. I can also see a cure for male pattern baldness too, so perhaps I'm not a great source.

 

[pfim]

So if they don't get the WC (which they haven't), he won't seek to become a top league?

I think they may be a bit off from 2022. Homegrown talent needs to increase exponentially, even though it's increased exponentially since 1995.

 

[TX Bill]

I think we'll be bigger and better by 2022 with more Americans watching the domestic league but in comparison to England, Spain, Italy, & Germany, there will still be a huge gap there, mainly due to the money.

If Garber's prediction comes true, it means that the individual clubs (not the MLS) will be able to buy and sell players and that they'll actually be able to compete for top players in the transfer market. Sadly, I just don't see it happening.

Could you see someone like Angel di Maria saying "You know, Real Madrid is offering me top dollar but so is the Houston Dynamo and I've always wanted to live in America..." Right, neither could I.

I think we may catch up to leagues like Holland, Portugal, etc... but even that's a long way off and again, we don't have the resources that those leagues have.

But I don't ever see MLS being on par with the big four leagues. Ever.