Some people would say that the US got Beckham towards the end of his career, and therefore is no good and not worth the hefty $250 million paycheck. British papers are laughing at the US stating that MLS overpaid a 'has been' that can barely play anymore. Especially, considering that Becks began his season with the LA Galaxy missing game after game due to an ankle injury from June that did not heal properly before coming to the US. Now, with a sprained right knee, he is possibly out the remainder of the season.
As far as the MLS is concerned, they're looking at the numbers and how much money they are making off the name "David Beckham." MLS reports that Beckham merchandise is flying off the shelves. Stadium numbers are up for all LA Galaxy games. Fans are scrambling all across the US to get a glimpse of the legend-even if he just sits on the bench.
But with Becks out with an injury and possibly being a no-show, fans are demanding their money back, not wanting to take the risk of not being able to see Beckham with their own eyes. To counter this, many franchises are initiating "no refund" policies to protect themselves, claiming that 'no official announcement' has been made that Beckham will play or not.
Prior to his knee injury, fans in New York City and Washington, DC, not knowing if Beckham would play or not due to his ankle injury, showed up regardless, just in case he did play. Fortunately for DC and NYC fans, Beckham played through his injury, with the final 21 minutes against DC United in front of a crowd of 46,686 fans, and a full 90 minute game against the NY/NJ Red Bulls in front of 66,237 people. After the DC United game, Beckham stated, "It's not nice to disappoint people. It's not nice to disappoint people that paid a lot of money to come and see the game."
The thing is-people are paying to see Beckham first, a game second.
The David Beckham Revolution in the United States is an amazing one. He is a superstar in the US, and could become the most popular sports figure in the United States this year alone. Cameras start flashing the second he touches the ball. Fans cheer for LA Galaxy and their home team. Jerseys across the stadium read "BECKHAM." And everybody's talking about Beckham.
Since Beckham's signing with LA Galaxy, attendance for LA Galaxy games escalated way beyond 200% to 500% across the league. Merchandise is flying off the shelves with a 300% increase for the entire league, and 700% for LA Galaxy alone. The broadcasting rights to air MLS games are also up considerably, as compared to previous seasons. Sports Authority, one of the top sports merchandise retailers in the US, reports that their #1 selling item is the David Beckham jersey. Not football, not baseball, not hockey-just David Beckham's jersey.
With only 3 games under his belt this season at the cost of $83,333,333.33 per game, $1,262,626.26 per minute (based on only 3 appearances, 198 minutes played), it would appear that David Beckham is one expensive ticket to bring Major League Soccer into becoming a top 5 sport in America.
Even though many fans may be disappointed at not being able to see the immortalized Bend It Like Beckham move, MLS is cashing in on the Beckham name, and soccer is becoming one of the most talked about sports in the US news today, with or without Beckham on the green. At this rate, and perhaps a successful Beckham return next season, Major League Soccer may become one of the top sports in the United States. Beckham will put US soccer on the map.
