Topic: Becks signs with the LA Galaxy

[Govtcheez]

I've heard a couple different numbers for salary, one being $250 million, which is like 10 times the salary of the entire fucking league.



edit: 5 years, $250 million
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/soccer/01/11/beckham.mls/index.html?cnn=yes

MLS becomes NASL v2.0

[ober]

It said $250mil in salary AND endorsements... I'd wager that over half is in endorsements.

[Govtcheez]

Still, the highest paid player currently makes less than $2 million, and there's no way that Beckham is that much better than any of the top flight MLS guys at this point in his career.

The average salary is something stupid like $30K a year.

[ober]

I'll agree it's insane... but they're trying to make a point of increasing awareness/interest in US Soccer.  It's not going to happen IMO, but whatever.

[Govtcheez]

OK, I just saw a newer article that said the salary is about $3 million a year, but he gets full control over his image rights, which should bring in a lot more.  This looks a lot more sane now.

[[stealth]]

He's past his prime, but it will do no end of wonders for the MLS.

[charlie]

All I hear from the handful of radio/tv sports guys talking about this is that it's a good idea by the Galaxy and the MLS, but it won't actually make soccer much more popular in the U.S. And I agree. If they can get a couple more of the world's most famous players to come in the next couple years, then maybe it will keep the MLS a float for awhile and help it to stick around, but I really don't think soccer will be a popular professional sport here any time soon.