What impact on MLS do you think David Beckham's arrival will have?

[starofiniquity]

What impact on MLS do you think David Beckham's arrival will have?

[Steve]

I think instead of the 6 or 7 people watching the games on TV, maybe it will be more like 8 or perhaps even 10 people that will check out the games on TV.

[PHF A]

Beckham will have a huge impact on attendance, for both home and away games. He will also make MLS more marketable for television contracts. There is a huge opportunity to expand the fan base in America. Beckham might also make it more common for world-class players to leave Europe and come to America, and more MLS teams will be willing to spring for Top-notch talent to compete. Finally as attendance and ticket prices increase MLS will expand into new cities. Atleast this is what MLS is betting on by giving Beckham such a lucrative deal.

[vandenlain]

he has not arrived yet, but he is already making an impact.















players like angel, schelotto, blanco have joined the league in part thanks to beckham. all the news have been talking about his arrival.















the standard of play will also probably be a lot higher for league as a whole















no doubt he has raised the notoriety of mls around the world, and he will sell tickets.















but he won't be able to bring mass appeal to the league, that will only happen when the national team has success in international competition

[cmichael442]

better players = more goals =entertaining games=more people watching=more money=other better players=world class league.

[KPT_STYLE]

I think it will have a similar impact as great european hockey players going to the NHL. These guys follow the money and come over to America to play, but there really isn't much interest overall. The arenas get some coroprate sponsorship, and ticket prices go through the roof, so the common man can't afford to go to a game. People only really care about 3 sports in America. Football (American), Baseball and Basketball, and that is what they will consistantly spend their money on. Anything else is just an afterthought. There are people who will watch Soccer, but I am not sure there will be enough to make a difference. It is a shame that these players come somewhere just for a few extra dollars, and don't get to play in front of the true fans of that sport anymore.