As of 2023, Major League Soccer is becoming one of the most popular sports in the United States. This has to do with the league’s latest acquisition, Lionel Messi. Widely considered the GOAT in his sport, Messi has brought more and more viewers to the MLS. However, he isn’t the first to make such an emphatic change to a sport in the States. Decades ago, Michael Jordan was also causing a similar phenomenon in the NBA. As revealed in the book Michael Jordan: The Life, his performances in the mid-80s saw revenue increase by $3,710,000. Something that excited all the owners in the league.
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Jordan completely revolutionized the game of basketball. His freakish levels of athleticism injected some much-needed excitement into the NBA. That coupled with his incredible work ethic and exceptional performances on the court, quickly saw him become the face of the league in just three seasons. He was raking in the cash for the league and the effect he had is still felt to this day.
Prior to the Lionel Messi effect on the MLS, Michael Jordan revolutionized things in the NBA
Michael Jordan was a phenom like no other. In 1984, the Chicago Bulls had the pleasure of drafting him third overall in the NBA Draft. And, the effect he had on the team and the NBA as a whole was immediate. In his first three seasons, MJ increased the Bulls’ revenue threefold, and it only continued to grow with each game he played.
Additionally, home attendance in Chicago had grown from 200,000 to 650,718. A huge jump, which also had its monetary benefits. But, it wasn’t just the Bulls who were reaping the rewards of His Airness’ presence. The entire league saw a huge boost on all frontiers. In particular, attendance on the road increased by 276,996, which added another $3,710,000 to the league’s coffers.
In 2023, that may seem like a measly some, especially with the money that is being thrown around in sports today. However, adjusted for inflation, $3,710,000 back in 1987 would equal around $9,524,735 in the modern day. And, that’s just the revenue he generated playing away games. Taking into consideration what he did, this feat is nothing short of impressive.
“In Jordan’s three seasons, the value of the franchise had more than tripled and continued to grow with each tip-off. Jerry Reinsdorf was so pleased with these developments that he extended Doug Collins’s year-old contract and made plans to give Jordan a new, extended deal. Chicago’s home attendance had grown by nearly 200,000 to 650,718, a jump of nearly a third over the previous year, when Jordan missed thirty-four home games. On the road, the Bulls also punched up the entire league’s attendance by drawing an extra 276,996 fans, which generated another $3.71 million in revenue. The other owners recognized that the new golden goose was not Reinsdorf’s alone. The increased popularity and cash flow boosted the confidence around the team.”
Everyone was happy with the progress MJ had brought to the league. Along with Jerry Reinsdorf, who immediately wanted to hand Jordan a new contract, the other owners in the league were grateful. They had realized that there was a new “golden goose” in the NBA, and everybody could reap the benefits.
Former MLS MVP claims Messi came to America to build a brand similar to MJ’s
The Lionel Messi hype train is slowly chugging through the entire USA. Messi’s talent is undeniable and the whole country is engrossed by his amazing skill. But, many have asked, why choose the United States? After all, football, or soccer as it is called there is not a very popular sport when compared to the NBA, NFL, MLB, or NHL.
Well, former MLS MVP, Taylor Twellman believes Messi has come to Miami in order to build a brand that is similar or could even surpass the $3,000,000,000 one Michael Jordan has built for himself.
If anyone can achieve what His Airness has, it’s Messi. That being said, it will take a lot of hard work and dedication, which he has in spades, just like MJ.
