I've been told that everybody loves a list, so to that end, I've decided to take another stab at one.

With the 2009 MLS season less than a month away, I've put together the five reasons that 2009 will be the most important year for MLS.

1. It's the Economy Stupid

With the economy in the proverbial crapper, MLS must show that despite the squeeze, the league is in no danger going the way of the NASL. At the first sign of distress, the anti-soccer crowd will will jump to bury MLS and its efforts to establish soccer as a major American sport. With creative ticket plans, smaller rosters, and the suspension of the reserve league, the league appears keenly aware that pragmatism will need to win out, at least for the time being.

2. Beckham-bubble

Whether Signor Beckham returns from Milan or not, it appears that his influence on the profile of MLS has waned significantly. Without Golden Balls drawing attention from the mainstream media, awareness of the league among the general public will certainly backslide. If attendance and TV ratings take another hit, the aforementioned soccer-haters will have another reason to bash the sport. MLS must do everything they can to stem the tide, using what positives it can (expansion announcement, Seattle ticket sales, etc.)

3. TV Fallout

With the decision to "cancel" MLS Primetime Thursday on ESPN, it appears that MLS is teetering on the edge of television oblivion. If things continue to go poorly, future revenue for the league and the clubs is at risk. While the financial benefit of the current contract is minimal for teams, television exposure on a widely dispersed network like ESPN is essential to the growth of the league. Another poor year of ratings in 2009 will make it all the more difficult to convince ESPN that soccer deserves a desperately needed push across their various platforms (TV, radio, Internet).

4. Baseball's Problems

Conventional wisdom says that only sportswriters care about the ongoing steroid problems in baseball; although that may be true in a general sense, there will certainly be fallout from yet another black eye for MLB. MLS is in a position to capitalize on baseball's problems, as it is an alternative to baseball for the fan's entertainment dollar during the summer months. With lower prices and livelier atmospheres (for the most part), soccer has things to offer sports fans that baseball just can't provide; the onus to turn baseball's ills into a boon for soccer is now on both league office itself, as well as the individual clubs.

5. CBA on the Horizon

Despite the looming expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement, the soccer public has heard little about potential negotiations. While indications are that the players intend to be reasonable in their demands, several issues remain up in the air between the two sides. The new CBA could go far in bringing the league more respect among players, as well as help it hold onto young American talent (see Tracy, Marcus). A major salary cap increase is unlikely with the current economy and revenue position of the league, but concessions from MLS on minimums and player movement could go a long way towards improving overall league quality.


Feel free to share your thoughts, add you own issues the list, or pick apart my reasoning on any of the ones above.

My first attempt at a title was horrible; fixed it the best I could.