MLS put out a statement two weeks ago that pushed back the resume date to June 8^th. While other leagues have a sooner timeline for start dates, MLS continues to struggle to come up with a concept for resuming league play. It is most certainly not on MLS at all, but once things do start up again, the league could look very different. Here are some things to look out for:

A Schedule Change for the Better?

A revised resume date could put MLS on the same Schedule as the other major leagues across the world. Taylor Twellman touched on this before, and although his opinions can rapidly fluctuate, he makes a good point about creating fluidity in the soccer world. Not only would this help MLS become more involved in transfers and loans with other leagues, but it would also allow MLS to be played seamlessly without the interruption of international summer tournaments (Do not get me started on Qatar 2020 winter dates). Although this would solve a few problems from a scheduling perspective, it may interfere with the ingenuity of MLS and soccer in America.

Photo by Mike DiNovo - USA Today Sports

The fall and winter months are dominated by American football, basketball, and hockey in the United States. As much as it pains me to say, there would be a lot of competition and conflict for popularity among these sports that MLS would probably lose. The beauty of MLS on its current schedule is that it will really only have to compete with MLB and the end of the NBA season. I get a sense that MLS wants to stand out and create its own type of soccer culture that people can eventually grow up with and be around for their entire life. By switching schedules, it may lose the thing that makes it so special.

Fewer teams and less competition

From a financial perspective, teams will be hit hard. There are rumors of bankruptcy and that is the last thing I want to see for a league that has worked so hard to get to where it is today. Although I don’t see this being the case, I can see a couple of Expansion Teams not being able to provide the funds and balance sheets that are needed to run a successful and profitable club. Teams that are owned privately and/or by bigger entities (e.g. RBNY, NE Revolution) could see financial help in order to keep the teams alive.

Photo by Troy Wayrynen - USA Today Sports

With fewer teams comes less competition. And for an economy that will take a while to start up again, it seems like it may be a while for MLS to really turn a profit once again. Therefore, we may not see the promised expansion teams or even some current teams for a little while. In that scenario, teams may not be as competitive due to numerous factors surrounding players, pay, rivalries, fans, and many other denominators. 

The Greatest Season we’ve ever seen

Now it’s time to be optimistic. With so much uncertainty looming over us, we are eagerly anticipating the resumption of the season. If we are anxious, just imagine how anxious the players and clubs are feeling to get back out onto the field. If things play out safely and effectively, we could be looking at one of the most exciting MLS seasons there has ever been. Although the fans make the games that much more exciting, there is still a chance we can watch our teams live by the end of the season (that all depends on how the country handles the virus). But in the meantime, teams will still be fighting to win and playing hard to entertain the fans that watch at home. It’s going to be a rocky road back, but we will get there and soccer in the U.S. will flourish.

Remember to stay home, stay safe, and take care of one another.

Until next time,

Upper90

Feature Image by Ted S. Warren/AP Photo