Quote:
Originally Posted by InterruptingCow
Yes, they would but maybe not as fast of a turnaround.
The growth of soccer has steadily increased over the past fifteen years. Not just in loser KC but other places in the US. That means it's popular in places where there are winning franchises not just in downtrodden markets.
The growth of the internet and social media and it's acceptance with a younger demographic, many of whom played soccer, has helped expedite the popularity of the sport as its now easier to follow without major media coverage. It's one of the sports that has grown in popularity WITHOUT major media being involved. ESPN and NBC Sports jumped on board when they saw the upward trajectory of popularity. THEY DID NOT CREATE IT. Now with increased media coverage and games being seen almost every week the growth will continue.
Back to KC, many of the younger fan base of SKC has NEVER seen a winner in this town either as a child or as a young adult. The fact that SKC got to the semifinals in their first year of rebrand and aggressively targeted and marketed towards a younger demographic was not only pure genius but a bit of good fortune.
In addition, their becoming the largest youth soccer club in JOCO and all ages of kids wearing a Sporting shield on their uniform will practically guarantee a perpetual interest in the team. What kid going to Sporting games won't want to wear their shield while playing and vice versa. I know if my son wasn't in his last years of club soccer it would be a huge draw for him.
The young and visionary owners of SKC have laid the groundwork for a good deal of sustained success. Will it fall apart if the team starts to fail? Maybe but probably not any more than what we see with the Chiefs or Royals. There will be a core group of fans who follow the sport and love their team no matter what. Like the Royals and Chiefs.
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Great points. I also think that MLB has steadily been losing the attention of younger generations for years.
Its almost as if kids are saying now "MLB, yea, my Grandpa and Dad like to watch that"
It doesnt help much when their playoff games run until Midnight on school nights.