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The MLS has slowly been gaining popularity over the last few years. The average attendance for an MLS game in 2000 was 13,756. In 2017, that number has risen considerably with league attendance averaging 22,106.
TV viewership has also improved steadily. From 2015 to 2017, viewers were up from 219,000 to 253,000. Besides viewership and attendance, the league itself has been growing. MLS officials expect to have up to 26 teams by 2020.
Considering the league only started in 1996 with 10 teams, the growth shown so far is exciting for US soccer.
The rise in viewership and attendance can be attributed to the general growth in interest for the sport, especially among parents who see the sport as a better alternative to American Football.
While the steady growth of the league has been an encouraging sign for US football, there is still much room for improvement.
If the MLS and US football want to become a global power, they will need to consider making significant changes, from transfer policy to the actual structure of the league.
#1 Implementation of Relegation and Promotion
Although there is only one major division, there is a "second-tier" league in the US called the United Soccer League. While it wouldn't be wrong to think of the USL as a second division, the issue lies in the fact that there is simply no connection or synergy with the MLS.
They are independent leagues, but the MLS just happens to be more popular. Consolidating the two-leagues could be an easier path for the implementation of multiple divisions. Currently, there are 23 teams in the MLS. In addition to these teams, there are already three confirmed expansion teams (from Cincinnati, Miami, and Nashville) expected to be fully operational by 2020.
From the current trend, it would seem that the MLS is only getting bigger with more cities wanting their own team.
Soon enough a single league structure simply would not work for so many teams. Currently, the US football only has one major division which is Major League Soccer. The league is simply split between two conferences, with the winner of the two meeting in the finals for the championship.
There is no movement at the bottom of the conferences table. In simpler terms, there is simply no consequence for having a bad season. Everywhere else in the world, leagues have multiple divisions with yearly relegations and promotions.
Multiple divisions can also lead to more revenue for the league through broadcasting rights. There will be more matches to telecast.
While many would think that matches in the lower leagues are much less valuable, it would not be entirely true. The promotion play-off final in England is estimated to be worth over $200 million.
The only fight during the regular season is to make the playoffs. The added dimension of avoiding relegation would make the entire league more exciting.
With the introduction of promotion and relegation, teams will be incentivized to perform at the highest level, giving the viewers and fans a more competitive league to watch.
The lower divisions will also be more competitive since they will have major incentives to finish top and achieve promotion to the MLS. Teams in the USL will have more viewership, excitement and financial rewards.
#2 Scheduling
In the past, this wasn't really an issue since little to no MLS players were being called up for national duty.
Nowadays, there are more players being called up from the MLS for national teams like Mexico, Panama, Honduras, and even Spain (David Villa got the call up once).
While these call-ups are a good sign for the progression of the league, without changing the schedule to meet FIFA windows will lead to future conflicts. The MLS regular season runs from March to October, followed by knockout stages lasting a further two months.
In contrast to much of world football, the MLS operates on a very different schedule. Majority of the leagues around the world follow the Fall-Spring schedule rather than the MLS model. This can lead to various logistical issues such as players not being given time off by their clubs in order to perform for their country.
If the MLS is serious about being a globally recognized league, the scheduling changes are necessary. Without aligning the schedule with FIFA's, players and coaches could be more hesitant in choosing the league as a viable option.
One of the most commonly used excuses for the lack of change in scheduling is the impact of winter in many areas of the USA.
While this is a fair concern, leagues around the world have shown that there is a way around the issue in the form of a winter break. The combination of a winter-break and modern technology should allow the MLS to implement changes.
#3 Change in Transfer Policy
Initially, the MLS gained global prominence through a very clear transfer policy, built on bringing in experienced players from Europe.
MLS clubs wanted to sign big-name veterans from Europe in order to make the league more marketable. This strategy was best showcased through the signing of David Beckham from Real Madrid in 2007.
The blockbuster transfer of one of football's biggest stars at the time really gave the league and LA Galaxy such much-needed media attention.
Since the Beckham move, there has been a steady flow of European veterans coming into the MLS. The likes of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Villa and many more have made the switch.
The league has been able to grow on the basis of this strategy, but have now hit the point of diminishing returns. Rather than being seen in a positive light, the MLS transfer strategy has come under scrutiny, with some labeling the league a "retirement home" for big-name European players.
The time is right for the MLS to change their transfer policy. In Atalanta United (an expansion team whose inaugural season was last year) the league has found their pioneers.
Rather than trying to sign veterans, management at Atlanta United (headed by Gerard Martino) focused on recruiting young talent. Since their establishment, the team has given light to some MLS's brightest talents in the form of Ezequiel Barco and Miguel Almaíron.
Another interesting aspect of the team is that rather than spending big on veteran players, they put their focus on bringing in the former Barcelona manager Martino. Bringing in coaches of high pedigree can be just as important as signing big players.
On the other hand, LA Galaxy seems to want to follow the strategy of signing European veterans.
This was showcased most recently through their big move for Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Galaxy were trailblazers initially, bringing in the likes Beckham, Robbie Keane, and Gerrard.
Back in 2007, this strategy was what the league needed because it was relatively unknown on the world stage. With those high-profile signings, the league was able to gain more followers.
The needs of the league are different today. Their strategy does not seem to work anymore, with the Galaxy struggling for form and titles.
A big transfer like that of Ibrahimovic's is great for PR, but in the end, he is only going to give a year or two of high-quality football. Youngsters are essential for long-term success and MLS teams need to adapt.
Teams around the MLS should shift their focus from veterans to hungry youngsters. This can allow for the league to become a hotbed of talent, attracting the right kind of international attention.
Do you agree with these changes for the MLS? Sound off in the comments section below!
