How Major League Soccer Is Quietly Reshaping American Sports Culture

Major League sports in the US have enjoyed massive popularity over the years, with the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL all proving to be the most popular among spectators and TV viewers. However, soccer is starting to become a competitive force with the MLS attracting major stars and worldwide recognition.

The signing of Lionel Messi by Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, has been a major boost to interest in the sport, with attendances rising and international media covering more games. This has been great for the sport, and even the gambling industry has seen an upturn in interest, with consumers looking for where to place bets on MLS games and finding  the best markets.

Of course, Messi isn't the only big star to have played in the US, with Pele and Franz Beckenbauer playing for the New York Cosmos in the 1970s, George Best having spells at the Los Angeles Aztecs, Fort Lauderdale Strikers, and San Jose Earthquakes in the '70s and '80s, and Johan Cruyff having spells at the Washington Diplomats and Los Angeles Aztecs.

More recently, players like David Beckham, Frank Lampard, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Thierry Henry have spent time in the US, and Messi has been joined in Miami by Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba.

The global profile of players like Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has seen American sports fans take more of an interest in soccer than ever before.

American players like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie have also enjoyed moves to some of the top teams in Europe, displaying how the MLS has developed as not just a league to attract top players near the end of their careers, but also one to develop top talent.

The MLS has a strict budget cap in place to ensure team finances remain in good health, but the league's Designated Player Rule has allowed teams to exceed these limits to attract top talent. This has been crucial in creating a product that not only entertains the existing MLS fans, but attracts a new generation.

The MLS has been instrumental in promoting diversity among clubs and fans, dedicating time and money to initiatives and programmes that support socially conscious ideas.

The growing success of this ideology within the sport's governing body has the potential to serve as a blueprint for other US sports.

The creation of soccer-specific venues around the country has also helped to facilitate strong fan engagement, improving atmospheres at matches and ensuring fans have a great experience.

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world in terms of participants, TV viewership, and event attendance. However, the US has always had a reputation for marginalizing the sport to focus on other major sports. But things are beginning to change.

Younger generations are starting to take more interest in the game, with many following international leagues. This can help local clubs capitalize on a growing interest in the sport.

The internet has been key to allowing younger generations greater access to global soccer leagues, and social media lets them keep up to date with all the breaking news in real time. Games like FIFA have also sparked real interest in the sport among a generation of online gamers, and the MLS has been quick to make the most of these developments.

Because the MLS was only formed in 1996, it is still one of the newer leagues. However, there are benefits to this as it has been able to adapt more quickly to global trends and changes, integrating developing tech and socially conscious initiatives into how they operate.

Modern stadiums, growing fan bases, and a variety of exciting locations have been instrumental in attracting top talent to the league. The Messi effect has helped boost attendances and raise the game's profile domestically and abroad, helping attract sponsorship deals that can help to fund the future of the game.

The USA is known for being a sports-loving country, and soccer is finally being recognized for what it can bring to the table.

A country the size of America can support significantly more teams than are already operating, making the potential for expansion projects something that could take the league to another level.

This content was produced in partnership with cardplayer.com. If you or anyone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

About the Sponsor

CardPlayer.com is the world's oldest and most well-respected poker magazine and online gambling guide. Since 1988, Card Player has provided poker and casino players with poker strategy, news, and results while also covering anything related to casino gambling: how to play casino games, strategies, and online casino recommendations. Today, CardPlayer.com is the best poker and gambling information portal for free poker and casino content, offering online poker site and casino reviews and exclusive online gambling bonus deals.