Date of Award

Spring 5-1-2025

Document Type

Research Paper

Department

Whittier Scholars Program

First Advisor

Robert Mendez

Abstract

MLS soccer teams are viewed as successful franchises based on their yearly revenue profits and the quality of players they acquire to be on their teams. Top standings and having winning results do help teams to drive revenue within an organization. However, there are other external variables that play an important part in how successful a team is within MLS. These external factors can be the quality of sponsors, stadium location and design, advertising in communities, and player interactions with their fans. This research project takes into consideration what the top three MLS teams are excelling in than the bottom three teams to stand out and establish not only a performance gap, but also a consistent longevity that few teams manage within this league and fan base. Using multiple research methods, this research includes analysis from data sources, credible websites from the official MLS organization, professional team reports, and peer reviewed academic journals. This study explored external factors like sponsorship and players' interactions with fans, which can have a big influence on how successful a team and fan base is in a city. This highlights how significant sports management dynamics can be to an organization to foster a long term fan base. Besides being geared towards sport lovers, this analysis gives a blueprint of what it takes to run a successful sports team. Whichever bottom team closes the gap first, will benefit the most with recognition that the revenue gap can be overcome. The factors that are within a sports organization allow for great ideas to come to life to bring a city and sports together.

Comments

WSP Major: Sports Management

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