U.S. Soccer's financial woes

[Soccer43]

New article in Soccer America about financial troubles with US Soccer.

Soccer America article - U.S. Soccer's revenues plummet in aftermath of COVID-19 shutdown

They are blaming the pandemic for a lack of revenues but then go on to talk about shutting down the DA and laying off about 50 staff members to cut costs. That was decided well before the pandemic even hit - good cover for how costly and financially devastating the whole DA and YNT programs have been over the past 3 years prior to the pandemic.

"U.S. Soccer's reserves, which were $139 million at the start of FY2020, are projected to fall to $31.8 million by the end of FY2022, a drop of more than $100 million in three years. The losses came despite the decision, made very early in the pandemic, to shut down the Development Academy and lay off about 50 staff members."


And then they go on to talk about the "spiraling increases in legal fees". I don't see how that has anything to do with the pandemic and wondering especially what legal issues are they fighting that they have kept tightly under wraps???

"It budgeted $9 million in outside legal expenses for FY2021. They are projected to be $18 million. In 2019, the federation budgeted outside legal expenses for FY2020 to be $3 million. On top of the $3 million in actual expenses on the operating side, the federation listed $15.9 million in "extraordinary legal expenses" on the non-operating side, pushing U.S. Soccer's deficit for FY2020 to a record $28.1 million."

 

[Yousername]

New article in Soccer America about financial troubles with US Soccer.

Soccer America article - U.S. Soccer's revenues plummet in aftermath of COVID-19 shutdown

They are blaming the pandemic for a lack of revenues but then go on to talk about shutting down the DA and laying off about 50 staff members to cut costs. That was decided well before the pandemic even hit - good cover for how costly and financially devastating the whole DA and YNT programs have been over the past 3 years prior to the pandemic.

"U.S. Soccer's reserves, which were $139 million at the start of FY2020, are projected to fall to $31.8 million by the end of FY2022, a drop of more than $100 million in three years. The losses came despite the decision, made very early in the pandemic, to shut down the Development Academy and lay off about 50 staff members."


And then they go on to talk about the "spiraling increases in legal fees". I don't see how that has anything to do with the pandemic and wondering especially what legal issues are they fighting that they have kept tightly under wraps???

"It budgeted $9 million in outside legal expenses for FY2021. They are projected to be $18 million. In 2019, the federation budgeted outside legal expenses for FY2020 to be $3 million. On top of the $3 million in actual expenses on the operating side, the federation listed $15.9 million in "extraordinary legal expenses" on the non-operating side, pushing U.S. Soccer's deficit for FY2020 to a record $28.1 million."

Legal fees for the court battle against the women’s national team, maybe?

 

[Eagle33]

Legal fees for the court battle against the women’s national team, maybe?

You mean instead of giving Women's team same money as Men's, they are willing to spend more money in court expenses?

 

[Lavey29]

You mean instead of giving Women's team same money as Men's, they are willing to spend more money in court expenses?

They shouldn't get the same money as the men do. Womens sports across the table dont produce the same revenue as mens sports. Soccer is probably one of the best examples of this if you view it from a world revenue perspective.

 

[lafalafa]

They should go out of business and start over.

Between the tax dodging and SUM marketing agreements it's obviously that the tax payers have been ripped off for too long and they only ones that have seen real benefits are the insiders, management, law types, and those SUM people. Our US men's team declined even when we had record revenues.

Us soccer has invested very little in infrastructure or anything that helps youth soccer for many years so what good are they anyway?

 

[EOTL]

They shouldn't get the same money as the men do. Womens sports across the table dont produce the same revenue as mens sports. Soccer is probably one of the best examples of this if you view it from a world revenue perspective.

Bulls**t dumbf**k. The women are almost single-handedly responsible for the sponsorship deals made by USSF, which constitute the vast majority of its profit. Alex Morgan alone has sold more jerseys and Volkswagens than the entire MNT combined over the last 10 years, and it is no coincidence that both those mega deals were struck before the women’s world cup. The men only generate more if you exclude the revenue that the women are responsible for generating. The misogynistic douches at USSF know this so they don’t “apportion” the one area that happens to be generated by the women and also constitutes the vast majority of its revenue. You are so stupid, but we already knew that.

 

[Grace T.]

They shouldn't get the same money as the men do. Womens sports across the table dont produce the same revenue as mens sports. Soccer is probably one of the best examples of this if you view it from a world revenue perspective.

While I'd say that's definitely true of pro sports, which are a market based revenue generating endeavor, it's a bit more tricky when it comes to a national team....there is an argument to be said that in representing the nation men and women should be treated equally since they both represent the colors equally, and it's not a true market oriented for profit enterprise anyways (or at least it's not supposed to be). I can make the opposite argument as well: the men's game is more prestigious and therefore that's where the investment should be, particularly since that's where we need the most work.

 

[Lavey29]

While I'd say that's definitely true of pro sports, which are a market based revenue generating endeavor, it's a bit more tricky when it comes to a national team....there is an argument to be said that in representing the nation men and women should be treated equally since they both represent the colors equally, and it's not a true market oriented for profit enterprise anyways (or at least it's not supposed to be). I can make the opposite argument as well: the men's game is more prestigious and therefore that's where the investment should be, particularly since that's where we need the most work.

I see your point as referenced to only national teams however, if you view that worldwide and include all national team tournaments, the womens side generates pennies compared to dollars on the mens side. Filling stadiums, merchandise, sponsors, etc... and please note, women are stellar athletes in the sport. Our national team is revered and I enjoy watching their skill on the pitch but from strictly a business money generating perspective there is no comparison. Mens soccer generates billions and billions worldwide. Womens soccer does not. Keep in mind also, a lot of countries still view women as a lower class then men also. I watched and attended pre covid games as I'm sure you all have. Maybe 20k watching women play at stubhub but when liverpool comes over to play a friendly its 90k at the rosebowl.

 

[Lavey29]

Bulls**t dumbf**k. The women are almost single-handedly responsible for the sponsorship deals made by USSF, which constitute the vast majority of its profit. Alex Morgan alone has sold more jerseys and Volkswagens than the entire MNT combined over the last 10 years, and it is no coincidence that both those mega deals were struck before the women’s world cup. The men only generate more if you exclude the revenue that the women are responsible for generating. The misogynistic douches at USSF know this so they don’t “apportion” the one area that happens to be generated by the women and also constitutes the vast majority of its revenue. You are so stupid, but we already knew that.

Angry little racist moron

 

[EOTL]

I see your point as referenced to only national teams however, if you view that worldwide and include all national team tournaments, the womens side generates pennies compared to dollars on the mens side. Filling stadiums, merchandise, sponsors, etc... and please note, women are stellar athletes in the sport. Our national team is revered and I enjoy watching their skill on the pitch but from strictly a business money generating perspective there is no comparison. Mens soccer generates billions and billions worldwide. Womens soccer does not. Keep in mind also, a lot of countries still view women as a lower class then men also. I watched and attended pre covid games as I'm sure you all have. Maybe 20k watching women play at stubhub but when liverpool comes over to play a friendly its 90k at the rosebowl.

This is so ridiculously stupid. You’re one of those American soccer wussies about 50 years old who played soccer in HS because you weren’t good enough to play an American sport, aren’t you?

The truth is it is the likes of Lionel Messi and Christiano Ronaldo who fill stadiums and generate ad tevenue on the men’s side. Shitty American men who’ve never accomplished anything adequate, let alone great, don’t get to ride the financial coattails of foreigners who have actually accomplished something, by mere virtue of the fact that they are men. This is just misogynistic bs. It is pathetic that you think Deandre Yedlin should be paid more than Alex Morgan just because Lionel Messi sold a million jerseys around the world.

When Argentina or Brazil comes to the US for a friendly or the Copa and wipes its ass with the MNT, the 100,000 fans who attended paid to see Messi and Neymar, not Michael Baldy or whatever the f**k random Americans were plopped onto the pitch that day as the designated losers. The MNT players didn’t generate a dollar of that revenue. If you want the ticket or tv revenue to go to who generated it, Messi and Neymar need to bring some extra suitcases.

In fact, the last mens world cup had higher viewership without the MNT than when it sucked a little less and did qualify. The MNT also throws money away because they’re so pathetic that they need to play in remote small stadiums in Ohio in the snow, because they know Mexico would bring 90,000 fans to the Rose Bowl. Think about that. It’s the opponents that drive ticket sales for the MNT. The MNT is actually a financial drain on world soccer.

How pathetic must you be to think that the sad MNT that couldn’t even qualify for the WC is worth a penny? You could have thrown any 11 random Americans into Concacaf qualifying and gotten the exact same result, except more money because they wouldn’t be so chicken to play Mexico at the Rose Bowl.

 

[EOTL]

Has anyone wondered why USSF’s main automotive sponsor makes cabriolets, but not trucks? Any idea why the NFL’s official vehicle partner for 15 years was GM until it was replaced by Ford trucks? Why is it that USSF doesn’t have an official truck sponsor or an automotive sponsor that makes vehicles geared to men?

Is it because American men who love the MNT are wussies who drive cabriolets, or there are just so few American men wussies who care about MNT? Either way, it’s the WNT that drives that contract. And there’s no denying that the women drive the Nike contract also.

 

[tjinaz]

Legal fees for the court battle against the women’s national team, maybe?

Regardless if it is valid or not, or whether they are paid differently due to declining the salary structure the men use in favor of guaranteed money.... or that the USSF actually subsidizes part of their salaries to NWSL....

There is a cost to litigation to the USSF. That is a simple fact.

 

[Lavey29]

This is so ridiculously stupid. You’re one of those American soccer wussies about 50 years old who played soccer in HS because you weren’t good enough to play an American sport, aren’t you?

The truth is it is the likes of Lionel Messi and Christiano Ronaldo who fill stadiums and generate ad tevenue on the men’s side. Shitty American men who’ve never accomplished anything adequate, let alone great, don’t get to ride the financial coattails of foreigners who have actually accomplished something, by mere virtue of the fact that they are men. This is just misogynistic bs. It is pathetic that you think Deandre Yedlin should be paid more than Alex Morgan just because Lionel Messi sold a million jerseys around the world.

When Argentina or Brazil comes to the US for a friendly or the Copa and wipes its ass with the MNT, the 100,000 fans who attended paid to see Messi and Neymar, not Michael Baldy or whatever the f**k random Americans were plopped onto the pitch that day as the designated losers. The MNT players didn’t generate a dollar of that revenue. If you want the ticket or tv revenue to go to who generated it, Messi and Neymar need to bring some extra suitcases.

In fact, the last mens world cup had higher viewership without the MNT than when it sucked a little less and did qualify. The MNT also throws money away because they’re so pathetic that they need to play in remote small stadiums in Ohio in the snow, because they know Mexico would bring 90,000 fans to the Rose Bowl. Think about that. It’s the opponents that drive ticket sales for the MNT. The MNT is actually a financial drain on world soccer.

How pathetic must you be to think that the sad MNT that couldn’t even qualify for the WC is worth a penny? You could have thrown any 11 random Americans into Concacaf qualifying and gotten the exact same result, except more money because they wouldn’t be so chicken to play Mexico at the Rose Bowl.

Earth to Ewok...are you there?

 

[happy9]

This is so ridiculously stupid. You’re one of those American soccer wussies about 50 years old who played soccer in HS because you weren’t good enough to play an American sport, aren’t you?

The truth is it is the likes of Lionel Messi and Christiano Ronaldo who fill stadiums and generate ad tevenue on the men’s side. Shitty American men who’ve never accomplished anything adequate, let alone great, don’t get to ride the financial coattails of foreigners who have actually accomplished something, by mere virtue of the fact that they are men. This is just misogynistic bs. It is pathetic that you think Deandre Yedlin should be paid more than Alex Morgan just because Lionel Messi sold a million jerseys around the world.

When Argentina or Brazil comes to the US for a friendly or the Copa and wipes its ass with the MNT, the 100,000 fans who attended paid to see Messi and Neymar, not Michael Baldy or whatever the f**k random Americans were plopped onto the pitch that day as the designated losers. The MNT players didn’t generate a dollar of that revenue. If you want the ticket or tv revenue to go to who generated it, Messi and Neymar need to bring some extra suitcases.

In fact, the last mens world cup had higher viewership without the MNT than when it sucked a little less and did qualify. The MNT also throws money away because they’re so pathetic that they need to play in remote small stadiums in Ohio in the snow, because they know Mexico would bring 90,000 fans to the Rose Bowl. Think about that. It’s the opponents that drive ticket sales for the MNT. The MNT is actually a financial drain on world soccer.

How pathetic must you be to think that the sad MNT that couldn’t even qualify for the WC is worth a penny? You could have thrown any 11 random Americans into Concacaf qualifying and gotten the exact same result, except more money because they wouldn’t be so chicken to play Mexico at the Rose Bowl.

Your hate for America runs deep. There are a couple of different threads going on here but...yea..not worth it.

 

[happy9]

Has anyone wondered why USSF’s main automotive sponsor makes cabriolets, but not trucks? Any idea why the NFL’s official vehicle partner for 15 years was GM until it was replaced by Ford trucks? Why is it that USSF doesn’t have an official truck sponsor or an automotive sponsor that makes vehicles geared to men?

Is it because American men who love the MNT are wussies who drive cabriolets, or there are just so few American men wussies who care about MNT? Either way, it’s the WNT that drives that contract. And there’s no denying that the women drive the Nike contract also.

Ford doesn't make any cabriolets? Women don't drive trucks? What are you talking about??

 

[dad4]

Regardless if it is valid or not, or whether they are paid differently due to declining the salary structure the men use in favor of guaranteed money.... or that the USSF actually subsidizes part of their salaries to NWSL....

There is a cost to litigation to the USSF. That is a simple fact.

The USSF subsidizes NWSL for the same reason that any other sports business invests in their farm teams. They can’t stand on their own, but the big club needs the talent.

If you like the minor league clubs or NWSL, be happy for the subsidy. Both groups of athletes are ridiculously underpaid, so any pennies that flow that way are a good thing.

 

[kickingandscreaming]

New article in Soccer America about financial troubles with US Soccer.

Soccer America article - U.S. Soccer's revenues plummet in aftermath of COVID-19 shutdown

They are blaming the pandemic for a lack of revenues but then go on to talk about shutting down the DA and laying off about 50 staff members to cut costs. That was decided well before the pandemic even hit - good cover for how costly and financially devastating the whole DA and YNT programs have been over the past 3 years prior to the pandemic.

"U.S. Soccer's reserves, which were $139 million at the start of FY2020, are projected to fall to $31.8 million by the end of FY2022, a drop of more than $100 million in three years. The losses came despite the decision, made very early in the pandemic, to shut down the Development Academy and lay off about 50 staff members."


And then they go on to talk about the "spiraling increases in legal fees". I don't see how that has anything to do with the pandemic and wondering especially what legal issues are they fighting that they have kept tightly under wraps???

"It budgeted $9 million in outside legal expenses for FY2021. They are projected to be $18 million. In 2019, the federation budgeted outside legal expenses for FY2020 to be $3 million. On top of the $3 million in actual expenses on the operating side, the federation listed $15.9 million in "extraordinary legal expenses" on the non-operating side, pushing U.S. Soccer's deficit for FY2020 to a record $28.1 million."

So, $100 million might have made a difference?

The impact of failing to qualify

Financially, U.S. Soccer will miss out on at least $10 million in prize money awarded to each country at the World Cup. They're also likely to lose tens of millions of dollars in potential sponsorship deals, merchandise sales and television licenses. U.S. Soccer brought in about $100 million total in 2014, the year of the most recent World Cup. That would put a significant dent in the organization's revenue, and potentially set back the country's next generation of soccer talent.

How The U.S. Men Missed The World Cup, And What It Means For Soccer In America

U.S. Soccer is likely to lose out on tens of millions in revenue, and more dual-nationals may choose to play elsewhere. Fox Sports' $425-million payout to air the next two World Cups looks rough, too.

www.npr.org

 

[Chalklines]

I would say most Americans couldnt name 3 players on the MNT or WNT. Thats the problem.

 

[oh canada]

Has anyone wondered why USSF’s main automotive sponsor makes cabriolets, but not trucks? Any idea why the NFL’s official vehicle partner for 15 years was GM until it was replaced by Ford trucks? Why is it that USSF doesn’t have an official truck sponsor or an automotive sponsor that makes vehicles geared to men?

Is it because American men who love the MNT are wussies who drive cabriolets, or there are just so few American men wussies who care about MNT? Either way, it’s the WNT that drives that contract. And there’s no denying that the women drive the Nike contract also.

USWNT primary demographic audience are LGBTQ women, not little girls. That is a big factor in player selection as well as sponsorships.

 

[crush]

They shouldn't get the same money as the men do. Womens sports across the table dont produce the same revenue as mens sports. Soccer is probably one of the best examples of this if you view it from a world revenue perspective.

Woman bring the girls to play youth soccer and that is how the girls bring in the revenue bro. Think about it. The girls give up their prime youth so they can play club 4 days a week all year around and the parents spend over $15K+ a year. If their good girls, they can get a full time job in college with no pay. Money is being made in soccer Lavey, the girls are just at the bottom. They need a nice living wage to go pro.