Americans like soccer, but American soccer?
US Soccer fans are among the most dedicated on earth, according to a study reported by Soccer365.com. Barclay’s, the sponsor of the English Premier League, was behind the study which seeks to “better understand the attitudes and lifestyles of football fans around the world.”
Of the 32,000 fans from 185 countries around the world who took part in the survey more than 10% who completed it were from the US, undermining any theory that soccer is not popular in the States. US fans also watch more matches than other global fans (48% of global fans would watch as many matches as they could against 64% of US fans).
I can’t help but wonder if the fanaticism of soccer fans in the US is not somewhat related to the scarcity. People waited for hours in line at the iPhone launch in part because there was a limited number available. in the US, soccer is not as accessible as basketball, football, basketball, or even hockey. As evidence: watch SportsCenter any night during the MLS season. To follow soccer, you have to be dedicated.
The article provides also great insight into Americans particular passion for the English Premier League.
98% of US respondents were big fans of the Barclays Premier League, the top football league in England, ahead of the football World Cup which was appreciated by 93% of fans in the USA, and 36% who followed Major League Soccer.
I am a fan of the EPL myself, and an even bigger fan of the World Cup. However, it does seem to me there is a gap between our passionate soccer fans and our passion for the MLS. I am sure this “passion gap” is not lost on the people who run MLS. However, we are a young league compared to a league like the EPL, and it takes time to develop a strong base of fans and corporate sponsors.
The MLS is on the right path, here’s hoping more soccer fans in the US will find a home at their local MLS pitch.
