Now that David Beckham is coming to the U.S., will Americans jump on the soccer bandwagon??

Question

The reason I ask is because I remember how Americans jumped on the hockey bandwagon as soon as Wayne Gretzky came to America (coincidently, also Los Angeles) to play hockey. It seems America only becomes interested in certain sports as soon as the best in the world comes to play in the U.S.

Any thoughts?

Answer 1

fat chance. acually, hockey was a lot bigger here back in the 70s than it is now. TV ratings are at an all time low. when gretzky moved from edmonton to LA it really had no effect on the sports popularity here. if you remember back in the 70s pele came here to play. wasn't he supposed to be the best soccer player ever? so how did that work out? will kids go out and buy david beckham jerseys? absolutely, soccer is already huge here among kids, it has been for decades, that's where the term 'soccer moms' comes from. most suburban mothers don't want their small kids playing the much more violent game of football, so they enroll them in soccer leauges. but it just doesn't carry over to adulthood. by the time these kids reach high school age the girls get into cheerleading, volleyball, basketball, and field hockey, while the boys turn to football. high school football on friday nights is as american as apple pie. so the bottom line is no, americans are not suddenly going to start watching soccer. don't look for adult sports fans to be walking around with david beckham jerseys on, it just ain't gonna happen. hockey was known as one of the 'big 4' sports in america long before wayne gretzky was ever heard of(even though now NASCAR has overtaken its spot there)so if you're thinking no one here cared about hockey before the great one like no one here cares about soccer now, you're mistaken.

Answer 2

It will be different with different people. Some might actually gain an interest in the game and become a loyal supporter, while others might only become interested in the players, etc.

You can't rightfully say that new fans will be bandwagon jumpers though. Some might be, some might not. I think that would depend on the reason they choose to like the sport. Or, it could depend on the team(s) they choose. Some might actually pick up an interest and follow their local team, some might follow a team they enjoy, while others might just switch around to the best teams (bandwagon jumper, right there). But you can't say that all the new fans will be like that.

Answer 3

I don't know what we'll do, but I'M ALLREADY ON THE BANDWAGON, BABY! I kind of wish everyone would start liking soccer, b/c maybe more foreign soccer players will come to the U.S. and maybe more teams will visit the U.S. However, it is still annoying when people that don't even watch soccer and know nothing about it talk about David Beckham, or just the sport in general. Now that I think about it, everyone here WILL probably go crazy about soccer.

Answer 4

For more than thirty years, predictions have been made that Americans will make soccer the number one sport.

Kids like it, but it has never become a major spectator sport in the United States. It doesn't have the physical appeal of our football.

There is not as much scoring as in basketball.

And, it doesn't offer the history (here in the United States) and statistical significance of baseball.

I don't look for soccer to gain much in popularity, however a major network television contract might help.

Answer 5

No. Americans don't care about soccer. Every since I was a kid (early 80's) they have been talking about how soccer is going to catch on and it never has. Americans like scoring in their sports. We get mad if we go to a football game and the score ends 3-0.

Answer 6

I think we'll have to wait a couple of years to see the full impact beckham will have in the US. Once soccer rolls over in to adulthood it could top hockey and basketball i think.

Answer 7

In a word.....NO

In the 70's a host of great players went to NASL to play (inc. Pele)

1994 World Cup

Still no reaction.Dont think Becham will make a difference.

Answer 8

im already been on it.. i luv soccer cant get enough of it..but the only people that will jump on are little kids who play and teenage gurls to look at his hot bod after he scores and lifts up his shirt..quite frankly i dont think ratings will go except for the first few games then they realize soccer is 90 mins and its boring at times..but im a true fan at heart

Answer 9

Americans did not jump on when Pele' played here.

Answer 10

it wouldnt suprise me they might just follow the celebirities aftr they brought season tickets since theyre beckhams friends