Future looks bright for pro soccer in U.S.

By Donald P. Garber
Published: Monday, Jan. 29, 2007 9:59 a.m. MST
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Over the past few months, there has been considerable press coverage of Real Salt Lake and their quest for a new stadium. The stadium financing proposal calls for a true public/private partnership. Under the terms of the proposal, Real Salt Lake will privately finance the stadium while local government will be asked to finance other needed infrastructure such as roads and sewers. Because the proposal includes some public financing, it's understandable and necessary for there to be public debate and varying opinion on the subject.

However, I feel it is important to comment on Brad Rock's column "Just How Strong is the MLS" and the issues he raised regarding the solvency of Major League Soccer.

MLS is an extremely well-financed league with one of the strongest ownership groups in professional sports. In the past two years, MLS has added six new investors, opened four new soccer-specific stadiums, and signed four national television agreements. These broadcasters each pay the league annual guaranteed rights fees with ABC/ESPN and Univision contracts each running through 2014.

The MLS ownership group includes owners of three NFL teams, three NBA teams, four NHL teams, a Major League Baseball team and three soccer teams that play in Mexico and Europe. Our owners have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in MLS since 1996 because they believe in the sport. As our nation continues to become more diverse and more empowered by young people who are deeply connected with the game, our future growth and success is virtually guaranteed.

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For our 2007 season, seven of our 13 teams will play in newly constructed soccer stadiums of the type being proposed for Real Salt Lake. These stadiums provide fans a first-class environment while providing the teams with access to revenue streams that allow them to be profitable.

Last summer's World Cup demonstrates the interest in professional soccer in the United States. More than 17 million viewers watched the final game of the World Cup in the United States, exceeding the average number of viewers for the 2006 MLB World Series. This audience surpassed the viewership of any previous World Cup and all ratings forecasts.

Finally, Mr. Rock simply is wrong when describing the recent signing of David Beckham. At 31, David is the same age as Tiger Woods, Allen Iverson and (after his birthday this March) Peyton Manning. Last summer he was the captain of the English National Team and the "Man of the Match" in England's victory over Trinidad and Tobago. He is a player still at the top of his game.

MLS has been open with the Debt Review Committee about its finances and the reasons the citizens of Salt Lake County should have confidence in the prospects for the league and Real Salt Lake. Last week, MLS President Mark Abbott testified for over three hours before the committee about the league and its finances. His appearance was open to the public and reported on in the local press.

Utah was granted an expansion team in 2005 because of our belief in Dave Checketts and the market. I have been deeply impressed with the fan response, media coverage, sponsor support and the progress that Dave has made in establishing Real Salt Lake as a meaningful part of the community.

Similar to other sports teams in town, the team will not be successful long-term without a new stadium. So, while intelligent debate is necessary and important, let's be sure that accurate information is provided to all decisionmakers involved.

Donald P. Garber is the commissioner of Major League Soccer.

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