Leading international soccer clubs are increasingly looking beyond their respective home markets to establish a business presence in non-domestic markets such as the United States. One should not be misled by the fact that the current professional soccer leagues in the U. S. are struggling. That result is due more to mismanagement than any inherent rejection of the sport of soccer by Americans. There is in fact significant interest in soccer (including, in particular, in the English Premier League (the “EPL”)) in this country of 300 million.

There are over 18 million people currently playing soccer in the U. S. While that fact alone does not translate into a pro-soccer ticket buying public (indeed, history has demonstrated that those who have relied on that impressive statistic to justify their investment in American pro soccer have done it to their peril), a myriad of demographic studies have made clear that American soccer impressively attracts young, educated, and affluent enthusiasts.

The principals of Professional Soccer Advisors believe that there is currently great opportunity for EPL and other leading international clubs in the United States market. In almost every instance of failure of pro soccer in America, the fault can be traced to mismanagement rather than inherent public rejection of the sport. So it is with the current state of the U.S.-based professional soccer leagues. There is indeed much evidence of existing significant interest (and great pent-up demand) for high-level soccer in America.

While it is fair to say that, all things being equal, a home-grown domestic league should rightfully be the one to make pro soccer finally succeed in America, the mismanagement of every U.S. domestic league heretofore has left a glaring void, calling out for EPL and/or other leading international clubs to fill. The fact is, Americans want and respond to each of the following which the EPL possesses: 1) soccer played at a high competency level; 2) games which have meaning/significance attendant to them; 3) games which have atmosphere; 4) teams which are noteworthy and important; 5) a critical mass of players who are legitimate stars; and 6) televised games having high production values. It is important to note in this regard that, while the EPL enjoys each of the above 6 qualities, the current U.S. pro leagues have none thereof.

Awareness of and interest in international soccer and related clubs by Americans is palpable and ripe for further development. To wit, …

For more information, please contact Professional Soccer Advisors at psa@prosocceradvisors.com