Red Bulls Fight For Another DP. MLS Better Be Listening.

Major League Soccer is staring down a labor dispute heading into a crucial 2010 season. The talks have become increasingly heated. Sounders keeper Kasey Keller has let his thoughts be known, claiming a labor strike isn’t as far fetched as many would have believed. Likewise, league head Don Garber has stood his ground, insisting on the continuation of the leagues slow-to-a-crawl-play-it-safe-we-are-not-NASL growth mentality, which has preserved the league for nearly 15 years now.

In the middle of this mix are the owners, who are viewing a growth in the game across North America, but not the fortunes any ambitious investor would want to reap. This includes the money making machine known as Red Bull. According to ESPN, the Bulls want there to be another DP slot for all teams to exploit. They have found the most unlikley in partners along the way. DC United ownership has joined in on the chorus, as have the Seattle Sounders and LA Galaxy (whom started the charge). The new rule would allow a team two DP’s, and up to three via trade.

The article fingers a few sticking points, including the fact that only 10 out of the 16 teams in the league have taken up the option at all, and that no team with a DP has won a championship. It questions the addition of a DP as far as competitiveness goes, gate draws and other aspects associated with the successful measurement of such an investment. It even goes so far as to point out the lack of a DP on any MLS Championship side since the inception of the rule.

Here is my point of view. Unless we are talking Maradona, Pele or (yes) David Beckham, one DP player will not be able to turn around a franchise, or the league in general. They won’t make an entire team any faster, better, stronger, or focused. But a few of them might!

Let’s use David Beckham as a quick example. His first year produced a tremendous gate response, and his games became the hottest tickets in town, wheresoever he played, and against whomsoever he faced. This gave teams a much needed boost in the attendance when the Galaxy would come to town, revving up revenue, and creating a spotlight for their franchises where there once was none. It served its purpose; creating attention and dollar signs.

But as the article cites, the interest has waned in each year to proceed it. The numbers continue to be up on the Beckham circus compared to the status quo, but the media hype and volume of attendance has dwindled.

Would that be the case if there were more quality names attached to the league? How about Thierry Henry, a lofty name being attached to the New York side. With Henry, you are now talking about two traveling circuses per year that will draw crowds for all teams to enjoy. The home teams win, the visiting sides win, everyone wins.

And what if Henry had a capable side partner to shoulder his star load? Perhaps a local hero to the community. Using Harrison as the example, let’s go with a Brazilian or Portuguese player that can form a formidable threat with the Frenchmen, and generate an endearing effect to the locals, thus building the franchises fan base; Deco (and no, I am not trying to advocate this; it is just for the sake of argument). Suddenly, you have double the star power for the home crowd to relish in, and double the draw on one squad when they travel to other markets, creating vital rivalries along the way. Local interest would be through the roof, and national influence would grow as your team achieves (or fails) with these stars.

Inevitably, sports fans gauge the interest in these high profile signings by seeing the effect on the rest of the team. This shines a further light on the players, who wouldn’t so much get the attention without the DP on the team (think Jozy Altidore and Dave Van Den Bergh with Juan Pablo Angel). These are all vital aspects in the growth of the league, the recognition of players as a whole and of the franchises themselves. Remember, in this young league, teams are still trying to make history; a history for fans to hold on to and follow. This is how you achieve that.

Furthermore, since we are talking about million dollar signings, which will only in part effect the salary cap system ($415k against the cap), only a few wealthy teams would exercise the option (and risk) to begin with, taking a hit to their bottom line for a greater purpose. Meanwhile, smaller market teams will continue to compete as they do now, since everyone would still have to adhere to an extremely tight cap. Those whom will want to spend the dough, will, and those that don’t will still be able to exploit their rivals investments whensoever the stars role into town.

And if you think money will buy teams a championship, look no further than the Galaxy, sporting David Beckham and Landon Donovan, being downed by a nameless and listless RSL squad. Small teams can compete, even if a team has three world class talents. ‘Nuff said.

Another critique cited against the DP slot is the real life example of Freddie Ljungberg and the Sounders. The article implies Freddies inclusion did little to build upon the immense following the Seattle franchise created on its first year. But Freddy is a horrible gauge of the DP rule. Like any business decision, a team makes an investment for its own purposes. The Sounders took on Freddie to control the flow of the teams midfield, where MLS squads sink or swim, and to lure fans in with a respected international name. But was Freddy solely responsible for bringing in new fans? No. They already had fans to begin with. Yes, he is a tremendous leader on and off the field. Yes, he greatly contributed on the pitch to the teams successes. But Ljundberg is Swedish. And I ask you; name one American town that sports its own “Little Sweden.” Name one time TMZ has followed the fame and fortune of Freddie Ljungberg? Did anyone expect him to be a road draw?

Every DP signing is done with a certain objective. Freddie exemplifies the growing trend of the “smart use” of the DP rule, avoiding “Denilson” style failed investments. He has accomplished the goals the franchise set for him. And that is that.

Now, allowing some teams to have up to three DP’s may force the hand of some of the smaller clubs to loosen the purse strings in an attempt to “keep up with the Jones’s.” This incremental effect follows the leagues growth model, and I am firmly of the opinion that a well run team will find success in MLS, so long as they use their options wisely. Again, see RSL 2009.

Now is the time to make a splash. Every four years, the soccer gravy train runs through the states, and each time, America watches as it rushes down the tracks. Well, the spotlight is back, the USMNT look terrific, and *gasp* soccer may be on the forefront of American sports landscape once more. A successful CBA agreement, with a modest expansion in budgetary and DP controls, would be a positive effect for the American game overall, especially in light of the World Cup. Big signings would be magnified, the MLS season could become more relevant, and following the World Cup, teams like the Red Bulls, whom seem a lock to get Thierry Henry after the tournament, would be able to carry that interest into the rest of their season.

Hit while the iron is hot, MLS; give the teams an extra DP, and do so wisely. There is nothing to lose.

Some Related Red Bulls Posts:

Category: CURRENT ROSTER