One thing that I think people overlook or forget is that MLS is a growing, breathing, evolutionary project that is in progress as we speak. In its current form right now, of course it cannot be one of the top leagues in the world. There is a hard salary cap in place and limited player movement. Yet those aspects are currently in place for a reason.

The league is being built from the ground up. It was only just over ten years ago that its very existence was an open question. There had to be quality, competent, strong financial ownership investment. That has been accomplished. Just over ten years ago Phillip Anschutz and Lamar Hunt owned practically all MLS clubs, with Anschutz owning six teams. Now, Anschutz only owns the LA Galaxy and the Hunts only own FC Dallas. Stadiums had to be built. That aspect is quite a challenge to fund, gain approval, and construct. That has been achieved. Next, fan support and attendance had to be nurtured. Check. Investment in academy structures had to be implemented and that aspect has just been given focus over the past few years. Now, the focus turns to developing media growth while continuing to foster continued sustainment on all other previously mentioned fronts.

This is all a series of measured steps in the evolution of a soccer league in the US. I think it is doing fine. Further changes will be necessary in terms of the salary cap and financial structure, media rights and access, and so forth. However, I see those as steps to be taken in time. Another thing to recognize is that negative aspects, such as pay to play, are not just MLS issues but USSF issues. So there needs to be evolution in the USSF as well. The MLS does not need all the world players to want to lift the MLS Cup and CCL trophy. It only needs some of them and most of the players from North America and Central America to do so. I fully expect MLS to be a top 5 or close to top 5 league at some point in the future. If I had to offer a prediction, I would say in about 15 years.