Who Wants to Own a Sports Franchise?

If you're like me, your ultimate dream job is probably the owner of a sports franchise.  You know—like George Steinbrenner, Bob Craft, and Jerry Buss.

Think about how luxurious it must be—an office overlooking the perfectly groomed field, power over your favorite athletes, free tickets and merchandise...could it get any better?

Other than signing all the checks, it must be a blast. 

If anything, it gives you the chance to rub elbows with some big-shot athletes.  Comparing an average sports fan to a franchise owner is like comparing graduating from kindergarten to receiving an MBA.

Well, move over George, Bob, and Jerry, because now I have my shot at becoming an owner.

In fact, everyone does.

The website mysoccerclubusa.com is giving anyone who wants to be an owner their chance.

MySoccerClub USA is hoping to be the first of its kind in America—a sports team that is run and operated by the fans.  With club membership, fans get privileges to vote on everything from jersey color to possible trade options.

The website is planning on starting a professional soccer club from the ground up.  Your job as a member is to help in virtually every aspect—location of the team, league to compete in, advertising options, and more.

It's a genius idea—a sports democracy.

When asked what the role of a member would be, one of the website's founders explained, "A member is basically a part owner of the club, with no risk of financial loss.  They get to have a say in all the major decisions involved with the club—being a member is the ultimate fan experience."

For the cost of only $50, anyone can join to take part in the revolutionary idea.  In return, you get access to restricted member areas including voting polls, message boards, live web broadcast of games, and in-depth interviews with players and coaches.

You might be thinking that the idea is a scam, but I'm here to tell you it's not.

I recently became a member to MySoccerClub USA and have since voted on which league to play in, as well as offering  suggestions on possible franchise locations.

Think the sports democracy idea can't work?

Think again.

F.C. Barcelona in Spain is one of the world's most well-known, competitive sports organizations.  They are also very profitable, bringing in over $400 million dollars in revenue last year. 

And guess what—Barca is essentially run by over 150,000 fans.

Even more respectable is the fact that F.C. Barcelona is a non-profit organization.  MySoccerClub USA is headed in the same direction as their Spanish counterparts, "[planning] to apply for non-profit status in the next few months," as one of the founders told me.

If you want to take your fan experience to a new level, I'd suggest checking out MySoccerClub USA.