Beckham's American dream
This is why the MLS are so keen on keeping David Beckham in the USA. It's nothing to do with improving the image and quality of football (I refuse to call it soccer) in the US, it's everything to do with punters through turn-stiles and, ultimately, dollars and cents.
Although average attendance only saw a slight increase over the past 2 years, LA Galaxy home and away attendances have rocketed by 25% and 45% respectively. Merchandise, I noticed when I was in a Toronto (I know Toronto's in Canada but Toronto FC are in the MLS) sports shop, is expensive. An MLS replica shirt was $50 (about £35) which, given that football is a minority sport and one they're keen to promote, seems expensive. They're comparable to the prices of replica shirts in the UK.
What I will say for the MLS, ticket pricing is great when compared with the English Premier League. A quick look on the LA Galaxy website shows tickets available for the next available game on sale for $15 (about £10) compared with Bolton Wanders (my other half's team) on offer from £27 (about $38). Even my team, Leeds United, who are in the third tier of English football, tickets are £15 ($21) for the worst seats.
It's a financial disaster in the making that Beckham is willing to take a pay-cut to stay in Italy!
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