2nd designated player spot raises bar in MLS

By Justin Beckett, Staff Writer 9:03 PM Sunday, April 4, 2010

In an attempt to raise the profile of the league, Major League Soccer has doubled the number of designated player spots each team is allotted from one to two.

The salaries of DPs come out of each team’s pocket and count as only 13 percent of a team’s budget. For the big spender, a third spot can be purchased from the league for $250,000.

The change, combined with the new balanced schedule, is the next step to moving soccer in the U.S. on par with that in Europe and South America. Although it may tip the balance of competition in the league toward richer clubs like Los Angeles, Seattle and New York, this may not be a bad thing.

Many serious soccer fans become disillusioned watching two “average” teams go at it and would sacrifice a little parity for the opportunity to see better talent. The Red Bulls, with a new stadium that would inspire envy even in Europe, have been linked with a host of superstars including Barcelona’s Thierry Henry, Real Madrid captain Raúl and retired AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini.

The Galaxy have made use of the new rule, making Landon Donovan the team’s second DP after David Beckham. Donovan recently spent the winter on loan with English Premier League side Everton, and the move rewards his loyalty and proves the league can compete for players’ signatures.

By allowing teams more freedom to sign stars, the league becomes more attractive to foreign players and, by default, to fans. And, from the players’ standpoint, it is a step toward the more open system they fought for during the recent CBA negotiations. After all, for MLS, becoming a major-league player on the world stage is the ultimate goal.

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