In almost every country, soccer dominates the attention of sports viewers, except in a few countries, such as th’e United States.
However, in the last 10 years, soccer has grown in the United States both on the amateur and professional levels.
MLS Los Angeles Galaxy new star David Beckham, 31, recently signed a five-year $250 million contract. The signing of Beckham is possibly one the biggest sports headlines in the United States. First, it is international related; secondly, it involves the world’s most famous sport – soccer – and Beckham, one of the world’s most well-known athletes. According to MLS Commissioner Don Garber, Beckham’s new move to the United States “is big because his arrival brings opportunities to the league that it has never had.” This may be a huge attempt to develop the league; it is also a huge step for the United States to cash in on the world’s most popular sport. It is a win for both the sport of soccer and for the development of MLS. The United States is the world’s biggest endorsement country; it might make history, transforming the league up to a place it has never been before.
Garber has a vision of making MLS the most popular league in the United States. He seems to support the signing of Beckham by the LA Galaxy. Perhaps the deal will create opportunities the league has never had. With Beckham’s arrival, the league will get more exposure and create opportunities for other international players to get signed.
The England midfielder and former Manchester United/Real Madrid superstar is in the prime of his career. The move by MLS may be financially driven, considering Beckham is currently not even listed as among the top 15 players in the world like Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho and Drogba. One day, Americans may look back at this as a steppingstone to making soccer as popular in the United States as it is around the world.