Beckham Will Ignite Soccer in the US

January 14th, 2007Soccer star David Beckham is coming to the US in a $250 million five-year deal. The move will have a significant impact on the L.A. Galaxy (his new team), Major League Soccer and the sport in general. Beckham is a star in the world of soccer. He transcends the sport with paparazzi following his every move on and off the field with wife Victoria “Posh” Beckham.
At the amateur level soccer is popular in the US in Canada. Back in my home province of Alberta, Canada, soccer is the most popular sport in terms of number of players. In fact, more than twice as many kids play soccer than hockey – a fact that surprises many. This popularity hasn’t translated into the same kind of excitement for professional soccer.
Beckham’s arrival will usher in a new era for soccer in the US and I predict its popularity will skyrocket along with sponsorships, player levels and equipment and apparel sales. The move is good for Beckham who can maximize his endorsements as his career winds down, is great for his new team and great for soccer in North America. The $250 million in salary and endorsements he will receive over five years will prove a bargain when compared with what this will do for soccer in North America.