Why Soccer Won't Succeed in the US

When David Beckham signed a contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer that would net him $250 million, enthusiasts of the sport predicted a soccer awakening in the United States, one that would bring the country up to speed on the most popular sport in the world. However, as David Beckham suffers an injury that would hamper an aging soccer star, the fact becomes even more clear. Soccer is not going to become one of the most popular sports in the United States and it isn't because David Beckham isn't large enough of a start. The reason is, it has too much to compete with in terms of the other sports that are already stabilized.

America's version of football, the National Football League, is too much of a monster to compete with on any level. One look at the mega-party that surrounds any city that his hosting the superbowl is a prime example. South Beach Miami was already a party hot spot and managed to be exponentially increased with the arrival of the superbowl. In terms of sheer popularity, one need only look at the NFL off-season. When no teams are playing the NFL still dominates headlines. Free agency signing is feverishly covered, more so than in any other sport and the NFL combine and draft are events in themselves. The beginning of the NFL season is also an incomparable event, fully showing that the NFL season is the most anticipated within the country. This speaks volumes when the average sports fan in America can't find a soccer a game let alone tell someone else when the season begins, ends, or even how long it is. Soccer is attempting to pry into a market that is already locked down and comfortable, there's no way they'll ever be capable of rivaling the NFL in the US.