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r/whitecapsfc•
cdnson

Does the MLS give unfair advantage to large-market teams? [xpost r/MLS]

I was reading about the potential Steve Gerrard to LA Galaxy deal and came to this line:

The MLS Board of Governors approved the deal because the league will pick up $750,000 of Gerrard's deal, the source said.

I am admittedly unfamiliar with how these things work, but do all teams get this kind of support when signing a major international player? The Galaxy, with I believe the biggest fan base of all MLS teams, should hardly need extra financial help putting together a competitive team.

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Posted Jan 5, 2015, 5:17 PM UTC

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SumasFlats•

I see the MLS as more of a franchisor than a functioning league... They modify the rules to benefit the franchisees that are creating the most money/viewership/buzz etc. Therefore the benefit goes to teams in large markets. It sucks, but it's a function of MLS not actually being a league in the same sense of the other major North American sports.

So yeah, it means the Whitecap organization is up against the league favoritism when it comes to high-priced talent -- meaning they have to continue to surprise everyone with their (so far) superior South American scouting/contacts/etc

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quaywest•

Pretty much. For any high-priced transfers the league is negotiating the transfer fee and the contract. Then taking into account the star's wish list (usually large markets), the player is placed wherever they feel it'll benefit the league the most, ala Dempsey, Bradley, Beckham, etc.

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TheBarcaShow•

I don't think the players are just placed there. I think there has to be mutual interest before anything moves ahead but I also believe that as SumasFlats said, the MLS would rather bend rules to have these players in the league than the not.

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TheBarcaShow•

I think on the outside it would be fair to make that assumption. Just look at how the MLS purchased Dempsey for Seattle.

Now, without knowing the allocation money, it is hard to come to any sort of solid conclusion on whether the league favours bigger market teams. That said, the league does what it wants. Look at their double standards with NYCFC. Every other franchise requires a stadium plan in place... Except NYCFC

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AgentEves•

On a slight side point from the original question... Yes the 'Caps may be slightly hindered by being small market, but do we really want past it legends waltzing around picking up a final big pay cheque? I don't think their heart will be in it the same was as a young, hungry, unproven player.

I personally would rather see guys with a point to prove, than guys who are over the hill. Sure, Lampard and Gerrard will likely have good seasons for their prospective clubs, but it's short term gain over long term stability.

I think being priced out of 'big market' players definitely had it's advantages.

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