It is without a doubt soccer in the United States is big and has grown more and more each year. From more clubs to a growing fan population in the MLS, soccer is becoming quite the phenomenon if I may say so myself. NBC Sports got the golden ticket to broadcasting possibly the best league in the world, the Barclay's English Premier League. The question is, how will this impact the states?
NBC Sports the other day had a quick summary of each English team to help those interested, yet lacking in knowledge in the league, pick a team and join the excitement that is the league. Arsenal's summary, for example, included that of its unfortunate title drought, its colorful manager Arsene Wenger, and its frequent French footballers.
The problem with this kind of quick summary is the program failed to mention what makes each team truly unique. Why is the rivalry between Manchester United and Manchester City so intense? Why is Arsene Wenger attracted to creating controversy every so often? Why is Liverpool's history so unique? You can't summarize each team in the span of 2 minutes. If you ask me, you need at least an hour for each team. I'm not saying NBC did a poor job, they just needed more time.
Needless to say, NBC Sports getting the rights to the EPL is huge. The average American will get more access to the beautiful game and EPL could be bigger than it already is. The specifics on how this new coverage will impact the states is difficult to say, but maybe this will get more Champions League, Spanish League, Serie A, etc. followers. Will international soccer become more popular?
One of my predictions is the winner of this year's league will gain more the most "new" followers. Whether it be the reigning champions, Manchester United with its new manager David Moyes, or Jose Mourinho's Chelsea FC. Another crazy prediction of mine, Americans will replace the word "soccer" with the English word of "football."
League kicks off August 17th. Let the games begin, mates!
I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! How do you think the NBC's coverage of the EPL will impact fans in the United States? Comment below!
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