A 34-match season likely would result in more midweek fixtures, which draw fewer fansGETTY IMAGES
MLS "probably will be impacted more than other leagues" due to the coronavirus pandemic, and in Columbus, the Crew "would lose about $400,000 on ticket sales and a total of about $900,000 per canceled match," according to Jacob Myers of the COLUMBUS DISPATCH. Holding a 34-game season that restarts in mid-May "would likely result in more midweek games, which draw fewer fans, and the extension of the season into December." MLS also could "shrink the schedule," but that would mean "eliminating opportunities for revenue." Additionally, match days "likely won't be as lucrative right after play resumes." Washington Univ. in St. Louis Sports Business Program Dir Patrick Rishe said that Soccer United Marketing can "divert revenue to help MLS teams balance their budgets." But Myers noted that business also is "affected by the suspension of play" (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 3/19). This story was published before MLS' decision yesterday to push back its start until at least May 10 (THE DAILY).
MAKING DO: The CP's Neil Davidson noted the "new normal" for Toronto FC players includes "working out at home -- connected via video conferencing -- with the MLS club setting up a meal delivery service." A video program, "creating a virtual activities room," allows the players to "see each other as they work out." The club also has "delivered exercise bikes, some weights and soccer balls to the players." Meanwhile, the TFC training center's kitchen staff "come in and prepare meals that can be delivered to the players after their daily workouts." The food delivery also will "help reduce the need to shop for food" (CP, 3/18). In DC, Steven Goff reports DC United have been "helping players keep up their fitness levels by providing equipment and emailing instructions" (WASHINGTON POST, 3/19). In Minneapolis, Jerry Zgoda notes Minnesota United players have "taken to outdoor runs, workouts in their apartments or running apartment stairs to remain fit" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 3/20).
