Quote:
Originally Posted by Locke
Thats actually a really wise strategy for MLS though. They brought in recognized names to help grow a new league and it worked.
|
It worked, but the MLS was trying to establish something different then what the CPL is doing. The MLS wanted, and probably still wants to be a top division globally. Their direct comparison is probably the KHL. Their intend is to make an American equivalent to the EPL. To do that, they need big crowds, big money and big names ( typically in that order).
That said, the CPL love it or hate it is more like Liiga ( the finish premier hockey league). It is beloved by fans, modest attendance ( it looks like Ligga averages 4000 fans),competitive against each other, decent talent, some old stars, and some younger players who move on to bigger markets if they are good enough. Actually that comparison is near perfect -the KHL has a team in Finland much the same as the MLS has a few in Canada.
There is nothing wrong with the CPL being what it is. If the league tops out at 5000 average attendance and 12 teams that is okay with me so long as they serve beer and play in the summer.