It’s a shame, really. MLS proved that the bubble tournament format can work really well. Why not stick with this approach? They could adapt and adjust a bit—maybe have regional commentators calling the “home” games, a better approach to virtual fans, and move the bubble to a different location? It just seems strange that they’d go the route of MLB—we see how that’s working out so far.![]()
MLS will resume the regular season: What we know and what we don't
The MLS is Back bubble in Florida has been a success, but will that success translate to games played in home markets? And in front of fans?www.espn.com
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MLS Commissioner Don Garber remains confident in season restart: “We have a good plan”
The MLS is Back Tournament wraps up on August 11 with the final, but MLS action will be back less than 24 hours later when FC Dallas host Nashville SC in the first MLS game to be played in market since league action was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic on March 12. MLS season set to resume:www.mlssoccer.com
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MLS Commissioner Don Garber explains procedure for potential of supporters in stadiums
MLS Commissioner Don Garber has stressed that any decision to permit clubs to host a limited capacity of fans in home stadiums when the 2020 regular season resumes will be based on local and CDC guidelines as well as compliance with league protocols developed in consultations with infectious diseasewww.mlssoccer.com
I am sure they would love to, but it would cost money they just don’t have. A lot cheaper to have players staying in their own homes. Also add in the additional time away from family for the duration of a regular season as is being talked about. At least with NBA and NHL, you want to stay as long as possible. With MLS, what incentive do teams at the bottom of the table have to compete when they know they are playing out the string in the bubble? At least in local markets those players can go home.It’s a shame, really. MLS proved that the bubble tournament format can work really well. Why not stick with this approach? They could adapt and adjust a bit—maybe have regional commentators calling the “home” games, a better approach to virtual fans, and move the bubble to a different location? It just seems strange that they’d go the route of MLB—we see how that’s working out so far.
Yeah, I didn’t mean to paint the bubble tournament approach as an ideal scenario. It’s surely been difficult for the players and their families.I am sure they would love to, but it would cost money they just don’t have. A lot cheaper to have players staying in their own homes. Also add in the additional time away from family for the duration of a regular season as is being talked about. At least with NBA and NHL, you want to stay as long as possible. With MLS, what incentive do teams at the bottom of the table have to compete when they know they are playing out the string in the bubble? At least in local markets those players can go home.
There are lots of reasons for the steady viewership (rather than the hoped-for boost). I think one of them was having some games on ESPN, others on FS1, and others on TUDN and/or Twitter. It was hard to find the games. Also, the morning game times weren’t the best.The tournament as a whole was not really successful. The amount of viewers remained the same as normal MLS games pre-Covid. It didn’t boost the league’s viewership or ratings as it was first imagined and pitched when MLS would be the first major American Sports League to resume.
The bubble format IS successful, and the proof is with the NBA and MLS tourney. If there’s strict protocols and precautions in place, it can be done. It’s just a shame that it didn’t generate the viewers and $ the league was expecting and too costly in the end.
Us fans love the format of this tourney and hope it would become an annual thing — with location tbd of course.
There are lots of reasons for the steady viewership (rather than the hoped-for boost). I think one of them was having some games on ESPN, others on FS1, and others on TUDN and/or Twitter. It was hard to find the games. Also, the morning game times weren’t the best.
Why not keep tinkering with the bubble format rather than abandoning it for what we know is a more risky approach? A full season, played in rounds, with each round in a bubble (anywhere that can host, increasing regional ad revenues). Host them all on one network, but with commentators from each market calling the game.
I loved the MLSisBack Tournament and really appreciated the bubble tournament approach. I’m glad Disney was able to host the event, and I hope there are more partnerships in the future!Go TIMBERS!
As with the Disney parks, they only make money if fans turn out. Guess we’ll find out soon enough!I loved it, but looking forward for the games to go back to the team stadiums. Their local areas benefit from the revenue of match days.
As with the Disney parks, they only make money if fans turn out. Guess we’ll find out soon enough!
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