What is up with the fuss over Soccer in the US?!

The NBA, NFL and MLB are three abbreviations that every American would recognise. Apart from being immensely popular pastimes and competitive sports, they are multi-billion dollar industries. Last year alone the combined revenues of the "big three" generated a revenue of $16.19bn. What's that I hear you say, Credit Crunch?!

In comparison, MLS generated $166m in revenue, with a loss of $20m, although it is fair to say that MLS in comparison to the others is in and infancy stage therefore costs  of startup is higher.

For LA Galaxy costs are certainly higher, a reported $250m wage for Mr Beckham over five years can be regarded as a major coup. Arguably the most recognisable sporting personality on the planet, he still managed to get booed by the Home Depot faithful. How does that work?!

Well it doesn't in actual fact. The MLS has too much to compete with in regards to the other major sports. Beckham is pretty much the only big name to exist within the league, however it can be said he has the commercial appeal of far more than one "ordinary" individual.

Looking beyond the commercial aspect, the actual game itself in comparison is arguably less exciting. NFL has short interplays, regular breaks, coupled with extreme bursts of fast play and not to mention crushing tackles. You know there are points to be had. Whereas for the thrill seeking, excitement merchant fan, a 0-0 draw on a cold midweek evening is rather a dull affair. Not really worth their while, and frankly is perceived as a waste of time. Truth is, 0-0 draws are a reality and occur in the English Premier League too. Perhaps the likes Deco, Robinho, Ronaldo, Fabregas, Gerrard and Torres softens boredom of the 0-0 draw.

Likewise, if a NFL game is a bit of a bore, I'm sure Manning, Urlacher and Brees spice things up a little, as do LeBron, Bryant and O'Neal for NBA and Rodriquez, Lester and Reyes for MLB. My point is, if you are a serious basketball, baseball or "football player" there is no better place to be than the US. Soccer players on the other hand, need to find themselves on the other side of the "pond" in Europe. 

South America, a breeding ground for some of the world's most exceptional talent, struggles to keep hold of any new prospects, as do many African and Asian nations. African and Asian nations have propered having had key talents move abroad in search of better football (not to mention pay). Simply because their leagues are not good enough (pay included). This is the same for Chicago Bulls star Leul Dueng. There is no way he would have been the player he is had he stuck around in the UK Basketball leagues, and not taken up that scholarship.

The crux of the matter is, why is such a fuss made to propel MLS to dizzying heights in the US?! When I think of a nation that excels in basketball, I think of the US. A visit to New York last year wasn't complete without buying a MLB jersey (Mets if you're wondering which one), nor was it complete until I saw a college football match in Kansas City. It's perfectly fine if the US is not gripped by Soccer fever, it winds me up to see such a forceful push and drive to push Soccer in the US.

Money has been thrown at the sport left, right and centre. Yet the popularity is nowhere near as one would have hoped. The world's most popular sport seems to have evaded the States. It needs to justify to the average American why he or she should pay to see a game which may or may not produce a winner, support a team of virtual unknowns and continue to support them through various timezones. The sheer expanse of the US is another factor. Its ok if the sport if popular, but for a Soccer game, Dallas fans travelling to D.C United? Suddenly I hear people saying Credit Crunch!

Although in all seriousness, the flight is a few hours at the very minimum (not to mention the cost of both time and money). Only the willing and hardcore will follow in the hope of a good game. Much can be said of other leagues in the world in terms of travelling distances. But the more popular leagues offer incentives such as more than one world class player on show and inter-continental football, (somehow Toronto F.C don't have that appeal with all due respect)

Where MLS has failed, WUSA (Women's soccer) has prospered. It has provided an outlet for talented female players to get involved in a global sport and excel within that sport. The Women's soccer team has been tremendously successful, and have formed a solid league within the US. In fact, budding female footballers see the US as a destination soccer as opposed to Europe. So soccer has done well in the US in this aspect, but again it has not quite gripped the nation.

To conclude, there is no doubt that more money will be thrown at the MLS. It has not officially failed, and the Americans are known for their "never say die" attitude. However the ruling chiefs of the others major sports need not worry, as the MLS is destined to be a Major League Show in my eyes. Some things are destined not to be as big as others...