MLS Layoffs

NYCFC_Dan

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Mar 17, 2014
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This is unfortunate. Especially for it to happen before the playoffs and holidays. You’d think they would of waited until after just because of how this looks. Lots of different positions. Saw a video editor, writers and social media as well. I didn’t know that they were already affected by tiered pay reductions.
This is bound to have an impact on the overall product. Take fantasy for example. It was pretty poor to begin with and reducing the resources can’t be a good thing.
 
That puts a damper on the start of the playoffs tonight. The NYT article just says 20% of staff, but ESPN puts a figure on it from a source: just under 70 people, from an MLS staff of about 300.

One of the things touched on in the article is that the loss of match day revenue impacts MLS more than other leagues since it doesn't generate as much TV revenue, as we've discussed in other threads. Current deal isn't up fo re-negotiation until 2022. Anyone know what the figures were like for the MLS is Back tournament and whether that portends well or not for the future deal?
 
Can't really be too surprised here. Odd timing, but it is what it is. 10 years ago, the league may have folded in this situation. Thankfully the league's intense focus on having ultra-well capitalized ownership groups kept the lights on.