K.J Posted November 13, 2005 Share Posted November 13, 2005 FromSky Sports News Barcelona have revealed plans to form a team to play in the American MLS. The Catalans believe it will help to boost their global appeal and president Joan Laporta confirmed the idea was no gimmick. "Barcelona have a lot of plans," Laporta declared "One of them is that Barcelona play their own team in the MLS, but now it is at the development stage. "The MLS's characteristics are very different from the Spanish league but we want to play in the United States. "However we do not understand the rules completely yet." The MLS is divided into a two-zone format, with 12 teams playing in both the East and West Conferences. However, it is possible to buy a team franchise as president of Mexican side Chivas, Jorge Vergara did last season. He then established 'Chivas USA' who played in the Western Conference, but struggled, ultimately finishing the season bottom of the division. It now seems Barca are planning a similar move, although the plan is some way of coming to fruition. [/Quote] Good idea? With all the top teams trying to tap into the American market, playing a team in their league would certainly beat going over and playing a few pre-season friendlys. Plus it would be a good place to send young players for experience. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Proudy Posted November 13, 2005 Share Posted November 13, 2005 Good idea? With all the top teams trying to tap into the American market, playing a team in their league would certainly beat going over and playing a few pre-season friendlys. Plus it would be a good place to send young players for experience. I dont know if they could just send some youngsters, as the MLS have some crazy rules on squad numbers etc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nemesis Enforcer Posted November 13, 2005 Share Posted November 13, 2005 I am a big Barca fan but can't really see the point of going to America, football is not big over there and is not likely to get big... its behind Baseball, American football etc... Not a very good idea in my oppionion Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FreeSpirit Posted November 14, 2005 Share Posted November 14, 2005 I think Barcelona would have been better tapping into the Asian market instead of North America. As shown in the 2002 World Cup, countries in the far east go nuts for football, and I feel Barcelona would have a lot more exposure and make a greater deal of money here than in North America. Its not that bad an idea tapping into the American market though-football is already big in the States (albeit not as big as American Football, Basketball, Hockey or Baseball), but they have a national soccer league, their national team have once again qualified for the world cup finals and interest in the sport seems to be growing on a daily basis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K.J Posted November 14, 2005 Author Share Posted November 14, 2005 In America Guadalajara (Chivas) have already done this with their team Chivas USA, so I suppose Barca realise that this is a real possibility, especially with two more teams due to be introduced, one in Toronto and another to be decided. Sports teams in America are franchises, nothing is stopping Barcalona buying the 14th franchise once it's available and then playing as Barcelona USA. Not sure if they could do this in any of the Asian leagues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red05 Posted November 20, 2005 Share Posted November 20, 2005 It's such an unheard of move that either way it'll be interesting to keep track of. I think it'll be a team of second teamers most likely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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