World Exodus to Major League Soccer?

Posted on January 11, 2007
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According to Reuters, David Beckham will reportedly earn $250 million in a five-year deal to play in the United States — but at least 80 percent of that money has nothing to do with his kicking a ball for the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Yes, you read that correctly! Beckham, who leaves Real Madrid at the end of the season, will become the highest paid player for Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States. MLS sources say his annual playing income will only be in the “single-figure millions.”

With Beckham getting paid up to $50 million over five years for playing soccer, where does the rest of the money come from?

“Most of the value is from David’s worldwide endorsement,” MLS Deputy Commissioner Ivan Gazidis said on Thursday. “That’s a separate deal. That’s his deal with CAA (Creative Artists Agency) and 19 Entertainment. That’s not something we’re involved in.”

Shaka HislopIt appears that the MLS is becoming more and more attractive to ‘ballers who are getting close to retirement. For example, Soca Warriors’ standout Shaka Hislop was signed by FC Dallas in July or 2006, after his contract ended with Portsmouth.

Carlos Valderama previously did the same. Romario and Zinho did not join the MLS, but played in the United Soccer League. Would Dwight Yorke be a candidate some day?

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