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shermanator · 11-13-2024, 10:58 AM

MLS and CPL are completely separate entities. CPL's vision is to become the Canadian version of MLS. That's why they hired Garber's old right hand man as it's commissioner, and that's why they are trying to copy/paste the same model. Because MLS actually succeeded in building a sustainable league in an area of the world where it failed over and over again.

For the league to grow, it needs:

1. People with the wealth to own clubs to invest in the game.
2. Infrastructure that actually exists and is not a vision.
3. People in cities to actually want clubs, and open their wallets to support them.
4. Patience to let the game grow organically.

Cavalry is the unicorn in the league in my opinion. They have an ownership group that is not only committed but will actually build infrastructure with their own money. They have the right infrastructure to let the gameday experience flourish and the patience to realize that it's going to be organic growth from here on out. Halifax has a great thing but they have hit a ceiling and they are begging for the city to build them a stadium right now which is a tough position to be in. Ottawa and Forge are doing good with what they have but it is not perfect. The other 4 clubs are struggling at best and at worst look like they will fold at any second.

As for soccer in Calgary, Spruce Meadows has a plan to built a 12,000 seat stadium elsewhere on their grounds. First they need to sell out their existing grounds regularly, and they still need to grow attendance 20-25% to do that. I think last weekend's game and events are a good sign to help that growth but I would be surprised if games start regularly selling out. Champions Cup being in February limits the upside there and I think it'll have to do at McMahon when they replace their turf. Not great but better than flying to Victoria.

Even if MLS were to want another club in Canada (they don't), Calgary will never get an MLS club. It's $1 billion to even get a club and that's before building stadiums which as we know we simply do not do in this city without massive handouts from the public.

11-13-2024, 10:58 AM	#1567
shermanator Franchise Player Join Date: Apr 2007 Exp:	MLS and CPL are completely separate entities. CPL's vision is to become the Canadian version of MLS. That's why they hired Garber's old right hand man as it's commissioner, and that's why they are trying to copy/paste the same model. Because MLS actually succeeded in building a sustainable league in an area of the world where it failed over and over again. For the league to grow, it needs: 1. People with the wealth to own clubs to invest in the game. 2. Infrastructure that actually exists and is not a vision. 3. People in cities to actually want clubs, and open their wallets to support them. 4. Patience to let the game grow organically. Cavalry is the unicorn in the league in my opinion. They have an ownership group that is not only committed but will actually build infrastructure with their own money. They have the right infrastructure to let the gameday experience flourish and the patience to realize that it's going to be organic growth from here on out. Halifax has a great thing but they have hit a ceiling and they are begging for the city to build them a stadium right now which is a tough position to be in. Ottawa and Forge are doing good with what they have but it is not perfect. The other 4 clubs are struggling at best and at worst look like they will fold at any second. As for soccer in Calgary, Spruce Meadows has a plan to built a 12,000 seat stadium elsewhere on their grounds. First they need to sell out their existing grounds regularly, and they still need to grow attendance 20-25% to do that. I think last weekend's game and events are a good sign to help that growth but I would be surprised if games start regularly selling out. Champions Cup being in February limits the upside there and I think it'll have to do at McMahon when they replace their turf. Not great but better than flying to Victoria. Even if MLS were to want another club in Canada (they don't), Calgary will never get an MLS club. It's $1 billion to even get a club and that's before building stadiums which as we know we simply do not do in this city without massive handouts from the public. __________________ Last edited by shermanator; 11-13-2024 at 11:16 AM.