Regarding FIFA, just follow the money. Find the payouts, kickbacks and other bribes and you’ll know which cities are getting which games. Those are guaranteed whenever FIFA is involved. All you need for proof is that there is no “local organizing committee” and that FIFA is trying to handle all of that. To keep every nickel they can get their greedy paws on, of course.
Good looking out for that local broadcast talent. Broadcaster Cal Williams really built a relationship with SKC fans when he worked with the club and I still maintain interest in his career 8 years later. We've also had SKC players Seth Sinovic and now Jacob "The Answer" Peterson cut their teeth in the booth after their playing days are over. When there are 'neutral' commentators there is less relevent color content and local flavor to the broadcast. I WANT my regional broadcast to have that hint of local bias that makes it fun and informative.
MLS’s strategy makes zero sense. It should run itself much more like MLB (who derives it’s revenue from local sources) than like the NFL (most of its revenue from national sources ). The disparity in interest between markets is huge and there probably more “Sounders” or “Atlanta FC” fans than there are “MLS fans.” Further, they no longer have the US Soccer contracts to sell which (obviously) have national interest. They should be doubling down on local and trying to boost local in key markets where there isn’t much MLS fandom. Growing support for NYCFC 20% would do more for the league than growing support for MLS as an entity 2%.
If NY/NJ is a logistical nightmare don't botch the snap and schedule the games at it. It looked cool on paper but with or without a second legit opinion it won't cut the mustard and we should do everything to prevent this tragedy. If I could suit up as a cheerleader for the final, I'd pick Mexico City...! Thank you. Peace'n l0v3 out!
You again mention SoFi stadium and the need to modify the stadium to fit in a regulation field. Thanks for that update. Can you please provide an update on ATT Stadium near Dallas? (Jerry World.) ATT stadium does not fit a FIFA field either. If you raise the floor to fit one in, the big scoreboard that hangs over the field would need to be raised. Hope Solo once hit it with a kicked soccer ball the way it is now -- let alone being lower.
I know that, especially when it comes to FIFA, money is (unfortunately) really all that matters, but: it is inconceivable to me to have a World Cup in the US and not play a single match at the Rose Bowl.
Hi Grant appreciate the info on Apple and MLS having international Geo fencing issues. Hopefully they figure it out and have you heard anything on the Turner/HBO Max front as there was or is still interest from Turner on MLS there.
Great stuff on so many topics. How can FIFA brass expect MLS to play a fall-to-spring schedule when many of the cities are snowed in and frigid in winter? I guess Infantino is OK with players getting frostbite, as happened in the USMNT-Honduras match in February.
If US Soccer is a non profit, then why do they have such exorbitant ticket prices for the men’s national team?
“… set off my BS meter…”
Love it, Grant.
Regarding FIFA, just follow the money. Find the payouts, kickbacks and other bribes and you’ll know which cities are getting which games. Those are guaranteed whenever FIFA is involved. All you need for proof is that there is no “local organizing committee” and that FIFA is trying to handle all of that. To keep every nickel they can get their greedy paws on, of course.
Good looking out for that local broadcast talent. Broadcaster Cal Williams really built a relationship with SKC fans when he worked with the club and I still maintain interest in his career 8 years later. We've also had SKC players Seth Sinovic and now Jacob "The Answer" Peterson cut their teeth in the booth after their playing days are over. When there are 'neutral' commentators there is less relevent color content and local flavor to the broadcast. I WANT my regional broadcast to have that hint of local bias that makes it fun and informative.
MLS’s strategy makes zero sense. It should run itself much more like MLB (who derives it’s revenue from local sources) than like the NFL (most of its revenue from national sources ). The disparity in interest between markets is huge and there probably more “Sounders” or “Atlanta FC” fans than there are “MLS fans.” Further, they no longer have the US Soccer contracts to sell which (obviously) have national interest. They should be doubling down on local and trying to boost local in key markets where there isn’t much MLS fandom. Growing support for NYCFC 20% would do more for the league than growing support for MLS as an entity 2%.
If NY/NJ is a logistical nightmare don't botch the snap and schedule the games at it. It looked cool on paper but with or without a second legit opinion it won't cut the mustard and we should do everything to prevent this tragedy. If I could suit up as a cheerleader for the final, I'd pick Mexico City...! Thank you. Peace'n l0v3 out!
You again mention SoFi stadium and the need to modify the stadium to fit in a regulation field. Thanks for that update. Can you please provide an update on ATT Stadium near Dallas? (Jerry World.) ATT stadium does not fit a FIFA field either. If you raise the floor to fit one in, the big scoreboard that hangs over the field would need to be raised. Hope Solo once hit it with a kicked soccer ball the way it is now -- let alone being lower.
As with SoFi, I'm told Jones is willing to pay to widen the field for the World Cup.
Thank you.
I know that, especially when it comes to FIFA, money is (unfortunately) really all that matters, but: it is inconceivable to me to have a World Cup in the US and not play a single match at the Rose Bowl.
Hi Grant appreciate the info on Apple and MLS having international Geo fencing issues. Hopefully they figure it out and have you heard anything on the Turner/HBO Max front as there was or is still interest from Turner on MLS there.
Great stuff on so many topics. How can FIFA brass expect MLS to play a fall-to-spring schedule when many of the cities are snowed in and frigid in winter? I guess Infantino is OK with players getting frostbite, as happened in the USMNT-Honduras match in February.
Really like the mailbag!