MLS to Strike?

Doomsday is approaching for Major League Soccer to approve a new collective bargaining agreement. According to representatives on both sides, a deal seems very unlikely, leading to the league’s first work stoppage. At issue is the “single-entity” status where the players negotiate with the league. This keeps player costs down while allowing ownership to have greater leverage over the players. While I appreciate the stance the players are taking, I can not believe they are willing to strike in this economic climate. Major League Baseball was crippled by the strike in 1994, and I STILL talk to people who claim they refuse to spend money on baseball as a result. There is one pro league that could survive a year-long work stoppage, and that’s the NFL. ANY other league wishing to use the “nuclear option” is begging for disaster. The MLS is already the red-headed step child of the major pro leagues. Any time out of the national spotlight will cause irreparable harm to the brand. But this post isn’t about dropping endless hate on the MLS or soccer in general.

Let me say for the record that I am a soccer junkie.

That’s why I am so furious about this potential stoppage. In order for soccer to grow in the US, Americans need to be saturated with soccer coverage. Considering the ESPN is going “all soccer, all-the time” this summer, AND the Women’s Pro league is cranking up as well, this is the WORST possible time kill the MLS season.

So, for all my fellow junkies who will be missing their soccer fixes should the lads go on strike, I invite you all to join me in Kennesaw for the Atlanta Beat’s inaugural season. As a die-hard soccer fanatic, I elect to spend my dollars watching top-notch footie played by players who actually care about impressing the fans.

Get your tickets to the Beat here: ATLANTA BEAT