Submitted by US FootyFan, Jan 16, 2007 03:58

The one thing that you wont find in MLS is apathy. MLS fans are the most passionate sports fans in this country. Doubt me? Watch this video: http://football.skype-directory.com

I agree with this article, the reason why things are different now is that unlike the NASL, MLS laid all the groundwork to properly take advantage of a big signing of this nature. They built their own stadiums so they can control scheduling and keep ancillary income like parking and concessions. They sold naming rights to said stadiums. They negotiated a 5 network TV deal with ABC/ESPN, Univision, Fox Soccer Channel, HD Net and dozens of regional networks in the tens of millions. They have begun selling the space on the front of jerseys for multi-millions of dollars, they have attracted new investment from multiple billionaire investors, they have established a youth academy system so an MLS club can offer talented youth players a contract such as is done in europe. Beckhams signing is a shot heard round the world and directed squarely at those who thought the league had no money or would die. People 11 years ago said MLS would never service and here it is stronger than ever. And that sum of money is sure to attract not only foreign talent buy kids who like Clint Dempsey, Carlos Bocanegra, Brian McBride, Eddie Johnson, Brian Ching, Freddy Adu, and Brad Friedel. stayed with soccer and excelled at it through their teens and through MLS straight to the top leagues in Europe rather than choose another sport. For that reason alone this signing makes sense.

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