David Beckham’s move to the MLS has been described as ‘one of the best sports business deals ever’.
Beckham shocked the footballing world when it was announced he was set to leave Spanish giants Real Madrid for LA Galaxy in 2007 – at the age of just 32.
Amassing 188 appearances in his six seasons for the Galaxy, Beckham’s on-field won the MLS Cup twice in a row in 2011
and 2012 but his impact off the pitch was huge – lifting the MLS brand around the world.
He took a pay cut to move Stateside, earning a base wage of £5.4million per year as opposed to his reported £16.6m salary in the Spanish capital.
However, a Twitter thread has come to light highlighting how Beckham actually earned more than £42m per year during his time in the US.
When Beckham negotiated his move, he was offered an option to buy an expansion team in any market – except New York City – for just $25 million.
As a result, Inter Miami was founded in 2018.
It began playing in the Eastern Conference in the 2020 season, and has signed several high-profile players such as Blaise Matuidi, Gonzalo Higuaín, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez.
Following the signing of Lionel Messi on a free transfer, the club won its first major trophy, the expanded 2023 Leagues Cup.
Messi’s move to Inter Miami last year has proved an astronomical success both on and off the field
According to Sportico, Miami is now valued at $1.02bn – which is almost double the $583million it was valued at last year.
Messi mania has helped the MLS team boost its revenue from $55m to $127m, moving them from the 10th most-valuable club in the league to the third.
Only three other MLS sides are said to have reached the magical number, with LAFC ($1.15bn), Atalanta United ($1.05bn) and Beckham’s former franchise LA Galaxy ($1bn).
David Beckham’s impact on Major League Soccer goes beyond just his playing days. His move to the MLS not only boosted the league’s popularity but also paved the way for other high-profile players to make the switch to American soccer.Beckham’s decision to take a pay cut and join LA Galaxy in 2007 was initially seen as a risky move, but it turned out to be a game-changer for the league. He not only helped raise the profile of the MLS globally but also set a precedent for future big-name players to consider playing in the US.One of the most significant moves Beckham made during his time with the Galaxy was the option to buy an expansion team for just $25 million. This resulted in the creation of Inter Miami in 2018, which has now become a powerhouse in the league with the signing of top players like Lionel Messi, Blaise Matuidi, and Gonzalo Higuaín.Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami in 2022 sent shockwaves through the soccer world, and it has proven to be a massive success both on and off the field. The club’s valuation has skyrocketed to $1.02 billion, making it one of the most valuable teams in the MLS.With the success of Inter Miami and the impact of players like Beckham and Messi, the MLS has seen a significant increase in revenue and popularity in recent years. More top players are now considering a move to the US, thanks to the trailblazing efforts of icons like David Beckham. Join us as we continue to provide you with more insights and updates on the world of sports business.
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Source: Tampa Bay Times
