by Christopher Cardinale

Created on: February 17, 2007   Last Updated: May 18, 2007

So much hoopla and whoopeydeydoo about Becks' arrival in MLS is lending American soccer fans too many rose colored glasses. Suddenly the soccer community is rejoicing in splendor at the thought of what is sure to happen; initial sportscenter highlights, Fox Sports "Beyond the Glory: Brian McBride", 10 cent wing nite during all MLS games at the local sports bar.

Too bad none of that is going to happen. In fact, it may be more appropriate that soccer fans don their 3D goggles, the ones they handed you at movies like "Clash of the Titans" when you were a little kid (if you're in your early 30s like the writer). Unfortunately the only place Beckham wants to bend it is in theaters, and soon, that's where you're going to have to go to see him.

Granted it's obvious that this is move is motivated quite similarly to the decision of Tiki Barber to retire from the New York Giants and join NBC. Beckham looks Hollywood, has a hollywood wife, and is nearing the end of his career. That said, the American soccer fan wouldn't mind if such prostituting of the league would result in its improvement. Unfortunately the structure of the deal and the current state of the league will combine to create an albatross in the situation that will set the MLS, and the game, back at least ten years in this country.

In "Debunking the Myths behind Beckham's Contract," (FN1) Jen Chang places correct information out of context in an effort to support the deal. He accurately points out that while the publicized contract is $250M over five years, the overwhelming largesse of this figure is non guaranteed, and even further, not payable by the league or club to Beckham. All licensing opportunities. Fine. Great.

As Chang continues to studiously illustrate, MLS is notoriously secretive about its finances and consequently this deal (interesting title though: how DO you "debunk" a myth when you don't have access to the facts- but I'm sure an editor chose it). Let's assume though, because there's no reason to doubt, that Chang is correct when he establishes that only around $10M annually will be paid by the club and a negligible $400K will be due from the league. $10M IS STILL MUCH TOO MUCH FOR THE GALAXY TO PAY OUT AND REMAIN HEALTHY BASED ON THE INCOME IT CAN GENERATE IN A SEASON!

Chang unfortunately does not detail the $20M TV deal the league holds for next EIGHT years (FN2). Divide that by 14 teams after expansion and that buys a happy meal. Really think about this: the LEAGUE generates $20M aggregrate

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