Leiweke's post MLSE landing spot - Miami!

[Detroit_TFC]

Here's a player move for you, actually that should be Playa Move - Tim Leiweke just signed onto Beckham's Miami investment group and appears to be taking some leadership role moving the stadium deal process along.

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mls/article40502391.html

[TFC_Allez]

Not surprising, especially after reading about Leiweke's "courtship" of Beckham before he signed for the Galaxy. Wonder if its just a temporary thing to get the team off the ground.

[cdnorman]

One would have to think this isn't a long-term thing unless there is a longer-term, bigger vision for the business side of things or he's been given some type of equity stake that's guiding this. Going from a CEO of one of the biggest sports organizations in the world, certainly in North America, to a start-up almost-but-not-quite-real football team seeking to set up in a Florida swamp is a step down otherwise.

[Richard]

One would have to think this isn't a long-term thing unless there is a longer-term, bigger vision for the business side of things or he's been given some type of equity stake that's guiding this. Going from a CEO of one of the biggest sports organizations in the world, certainly in North America, to a start-up almost-but-not-quite-real football team seeking to set up in a Florida swamp is a step down otherwise.

TL is passionate about football and this could be just another side project for him, I think we are lucky to have had him be our president.

[Ossington Mental Youth]

TL is passionate about football and this could be just another side project for him, I think we are lucky to have had him be our president.

i agree, shame he never felt this was home here

[Initial B]

Reading the comments on the MLS website, it's interesting to see how the Miami bid gains instant credibility with the TL addition.

[Yohan]

Reading the comments on the MLS website, it's interesting to see how the Miami bid gains instant credibility with the TL addition.
well, he knows a lot about where a lot of bodies are buried... has leverage and influence with decision makers at MLS FO and owners

[ensco]

Jesus I am massively surprised. If this is true.

His whole LA 2024 Olympic bid CEO thing must have blown up. That was supposed to be a done deal.

Leiweke brings almost nothing to the table here. The Beckham group don't need MLS chops, they have a team, they need South Florida political/real estate development credibility. This is Beckham doing Leiweke a solid.

This must mean MLSE are getting ready to name a new CEO, and Leiweke, against the odds, is caught out and needs a gig.

Wow.

[Detroit_TFC]

Some element of this might be to shore up Garber and other MLS bigwigs. I've wondered just how long their patience would run. It's been an absolute shitshow since the first glitzy announcement. Also, the various key players in Miami might be sick to death of Beckham's people by now, Tim L comes in as a guy who has a track record of getting things done (mainly referencing his AEG background more than MLSE).

[jloome]

Jesus I am massively surprised. If this is true.

His whole LA 2024 Olympic bid CEO thing must have blown up. That was supposed to be a done deal.

Leiweke brings almost nothing to the table here. The Beckham group don't need MLS chops, they have a team, they need South Florida political/real estate development credibility. This is Beckham doing Leiweke a solid.

This must mean MLSE are getting ready to name a new CEO, and Leiweke, against the odds, is caught out and needs a gig.

Wow.

I keep saying it: he doubled down on Defoe and lost. It was Nelsen's man and connection, so he went first. But Lieweke sold the farm to get him over, went over and wooed his mom etc. Bez was left clear as he wasn't the one who made the call.

[ensco]

I keep saying it: he doubled down on Defoe and lost. It was Nelsen's man and connection, so he went first. But Lieweke sold the farm to get him over, went over and wooed his mom etc. Bez was left clear as he wasn't the one who made the call.

I don't think it's just Defoe - I think it's the overall pattern of spending at TFC.

$100M committed to three players, with not much impact on attendance (maybe a few thousand a game, for a few games) and zero impact on TV ratings, would get anyone fired.

I'm afraid any/all of the DPs are gone, if anyone will take them.

[Areathrasher]

Wonder what happened with that ticket company he was supposedly setting up.

[Oldtimer]

So negative, aren't we? g:D I took it as something positive. Now that his favourite project (TFC) has a President and the ship seems righted, he's finally ready to leave for a new gig.

Assuming that he was passed over for the Olympic bid is pure speculation. He may have turned down the job for any number of reasons. For example, if he didn't have the power to select his own team, I couldn't see him taking the job.

[Initial B]

$100M committed to three players, with not much impact on attendance (maybe a few thousand a game, for a few games) and zero impact on TV ratings, would get anyone fired.
You have to take that in context. TFC are paying $18,365,555.67 per year for 3 players on a $21.92 million payroll. The Raptors are paying $35.7 million/yr for Demarre Carroll, Kyle Lowry, and DeMar DeRozan on a 74.2 million payroll. The Leafs are paying $17.55 million/yr for Horton, Lupul and Phaneuf on a $71 million payroll. The Jays are paying $46 million/yr for Buerhle, Bautista, and Dickey on a $138.3 million payroll. I don't think TFC's numbers are excessive.

[QBall]

Looks like the city of Miami is ready to put the Miami FC stadium deal to a referendum vote. Of course the vote won't be until March of next year which means 2018 would probably be the earliest we'd see the team up and running.

http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/story/2672480/miami-vote-on-proposed-mls-stadium-due-in-december
A vote on a proposed soccer stadium for David Beckham's potential MLS club could go before the Miami city commission as early as December, with a referendum going before Miami voters in March, according to several Miami politicians and officials.
Beckham's group, Miami Beckham United, is currently in negotiations with the city of Miami to acquire a plot of land adjacent to Marlins Park. Beckham's group is also in negotiations with private entities to acquire some additional parcels needed for the stadium.
Beckham acquired the option to buy a team with a discounted expansion fee of $25 million when he signed with the LA Galaxy back in 2007. Current expansion fees are now over $100 million.
"I think we're all optimistic that it's going to happen," said Miami city commissioner Frank Carollo, in whose district the proposed stadium would be built. "Now it's just making sure that it's a good deal all around for the city of Miami, for the Beckham group, and the residents of the city of Miami."
Miami city manager Daniel J. Alfonso confirmed via email that the goal is to put the land portion of the deal before the city commission when it meets in December. He also indicated that eminent domain wouldn't be needed to acquire any additional parcels, a development that is welcomed by Miami city commissioner Francis Suarez.
"Stadium deals are looked at down here with a great amount of suspicion," he said via telephone. "Using the power of government for something like that is not something that would be welcome. I have not heard that word used yet in the context of the stadium, and I'm hoping not to hear it."
If all goes well before the commission, then a referendum will be put on the ballot in March. The exact date will likely be March 15, the same date as the Florida presidential primary, which Carollo noted will help increase turnout.
One significant concern that remains is the amount of power that Miami Marlins have over any proposed stadium. A report from the Miami Herald indicated that the terms of the Marlins' lease give the Major League Baseball club veto power over the dates in which the soccer stadium could be used, as well as the naming rights.
When asked about those issues, Alfonso said, "Those discussions [with the Marlins] are taking place."
Carollo struck a more optimistic tone.
"I can tell you the Marlins have expressed that they would like to have the stadium as a neighbor and that they would try to cooperate to also make it happen," he said. "Right now, there aren't any issues."
A Beckham spokesman declined to comment.

[Detroit_TFC]

Here is the article referenced above that details the laundry list of stipulations that any new soccer stadium would have to meet if is located next to their place. It's crazy.

http://www.miamitodaynews.com/2015/07/28/marlins-contract-makes-soccer-next-door-a-tougher-game/

[ensco]

You have to take that in context. TFC are paying $18,365,555.67 per year for 3 players on a $21.92 million payroll. The Raptors are paying $35.7 million/yr for Demarre Carroll, Kyle Lowry, and DeMar DeRozan on a 74.2 million payroll. The Leafs are paying $17.55 million/yr for Horton, Lupul and Phaneuf on a $71 million payroll. The Jays are paying $46 million/yr for Buerhle, Bautista, and Dickey on a $138.3 million payroll. I don't think TFC's numbers are excessive.

Wrong context. These apples/oranges comparisons make me nuts.

Raptors are spending 1.5-2x what the lower payroll team in the NBA spends (really it's 1.5x, the Sixers are a special case). Plus there is a pretty high correlation between spending, winning percentage, and attendance/ratings in the NBA.
http://blog.surepayroll.com/nba-payrolls-2014-2015/

TFC spending is 6x what the lower spending teams spend. I'm going to say that again, slowly. SIX TIMES. Double that of any team not in NY or LA. Even worse, those lower spending teams, unlike in the NBA, are all competitive on field (in fact the top 3 are all contenders)
http://www.thegoatparade.com/2015/7/17/8992655/comparing-2015-mls-team-spending-expansion-teams-spending-big-compete-now

Not only are we spending $15M more a year, we are wasting it (from a straight business return POV), and we are committed to doing this for 4 more years

This is how people get fired.

[Red CB Toronto]

I don't think it's just Defoe - I think it's the overall pattern of spending at TFC.

$100M committed to three players, with not much impact on attendance (maybe a few thousand a game, for a few games) and zero impact on TV ratings, would get anyone fired.

I'm afraid any/all of the DPs are gone, if anyone will take them.

MLS TV ratting are what they are, expecting to explode to anywhere somewha near NHL levels in this country is pretty pie in the sky. Avg attendence is only up less than a 1,000, at least reported, so who knows whats real, I suspect much less. I have to believe that the attendence is pretty close to what is being announced because if it is not you can expose yourself from a tax standpoint.

[Fort York Redcoat]

I don't think it's just Defoe - I think it's the overall pattern of spending at TFC.

$100M committed to three players, with not much impact on attendance (maybe a few thousand a game, for a few games) and zero impact on TV ratings, would get anyone fired.

I'm afraid any/all of the DPs are gone, if anyone will take them.

Not much impact on attendance.

Cue Pook to come in and say attendance could've been even close to similar if we had kept the other DP's who can remain nameless this once since they weren't recognizable names in the first place.

These moves saved attendance. I love anyone who thought it would boost it much higher than it did. Incredible optimism.

Look at our city right now as an (mixed fruit) example. Regardless of the sport, this city wants bigger names than they need and don't go to games as a casual or bandwagoner till its close to playoffs.

Are the numbers and ratios for Toronto to get attention ridiculous? Of course.
Could we have got the attendance we did if we were spending and even winning like those thrifty league leaders?

[ensco]

Not much impact on attendance.

Cue Pook to come in and say attendance could've been even close to similar if we had kept the other DP's who can remain nameless this once since they weren't recognizable names in the first place.

These moves saved attendance. I love anyone who thought it would boost it much higher than it did. Incredible optimism.

Look at our city right now as an (mixed fruit) example. Regardless of the sport, this city wants bigger names than they need and don't go to games as a casual or bandwagoner till its close to playoffs.

Are the numbers and ratios for Toronto to get attention ridiculous? Of course.
Could we have got the attendance we did if we were spending and even winning like those thrifty league leaders?

So let's say average attendance was 20K, and would have been 15K without the 3 DPs. 5K x $40 avg ticket price x 18 games is $3.6M. Add a million dollars in merchandise profit.

Presented with that, what do you think the Board thinks of the $15M incremental spend? Which they may have to keep doing for 4 years.

Leiweke's argument was that he was building franchise value. But I don't see it.

Breaks my heart - I hate to see Gio go. But that is pretty much a certainty imho

[Fort York Redcoat]

So let's say average attendance was 20K, and would have been 15K without the 3 DPs. 5K x $40 avg ticket price x 18 games is $3.6M. Add a million dollars in merchandise profit.

Presented with that, what do you think the Board thinks of the $15M incremental spend? Which they may have to keep doing for 4 years.

Leiweke's argument was that he was building franchise value. But I don't see it.

Breaks my heart - I hate to see Gio go. But that is pretty much a certainty imho

Not saying the board will see the value as worthwhile or that anyone won't go.

What I'm saying is how desperate it was before those 3DP's were here.

I think your 15K is even bias/rose coloured/optimistic. We had some real shockers for attendance that weren't going to get better without some big barker games - I'm sorry, I mean PLAYER NAMES.g:D

Appreciate your insight as always BTW.

[Richard]

If they sell Giovinco without him trying to force his way out I will never come back to watch TFC. I'm sure a lot of people feel this way with the way MLSE has run this organization since day one.

[Initial B]

Not only are we spending $15M more a year, we are wasting it (from a straight business return POV), and we are committed to doing this for 4 more years

This is how people get fired.
We really won't know if it's a waste until the 4 seasons are complete and they can do a profit/loss analysis.

[kwhisperer]

If they sell Giovinco without him trying to force his way out I will never come back to watch TFC. I'm sure a lot of people feel this way with the way MLSE has run this organization since day one.

Of course you're right, but it's too ludicrous to even contemplate.

[ensco]

Not saying the board will see the value as worthwhile or that anyone won't go.

What I'm saying is how desperate it was before those 3DP's were here.

I think your 15K is even bias/rose coloured/optimistic. We had some real shockers for attendance that weren't going to get better without some big barker games - I'm sorry, I mean PLAYER NAMES.g:D

Appreciate your insight as always BTW.

That might be true, and is for sure true if the team weren't a playoff contender. We could not take any more 0-9 starts.

Thanks for your kind words

[TheGoodson]

To give you perspective, my friend owns one of the largest soccer stores in the GTA... After year 3 till this past winter he did not sell a lot of TFC gear as the team was terrible and for all of the hype of Bradley, Defoe and Gilberto it did no better then the previous years. Fast forward to this past offseason and the signing of Giovinco it all changed. The amount of jerseys he sold this year alone is almost the same amount as the past 5 years combined and 95% have Giovinco on the back.

With an attendance slowly increasing, all the boxes now on the east side and the additional merchandise being sold and a potential home p******** game. TFC is recouping some of the money being spent. Now with the sponsorship of both the jersey and the stadium deals up after the season and a competitive team on the pitch which means more people which includes additional concessions sales the revenue will continue to trend upwards.

[C.Ronaldo]

To give you perspective, my friend owns one of the largest soccer stores in the GTA... After year 3 till this past winter he did not sell a lot of TFC gear as the team was terrible and for all of the hype of Bradley, Defoe and Gilberto it did no better then the previous years. Fast forward to this past offseason and the signing of Giovinco it all changed. The amount of jerseys he sold this year alone is almost the same amount as the past 5 years combined and 95% have Giovinco on the back.

With an attendance slowly increasing, all the boxes now on the east side and the additional merchandise being sold and a potential home p******** game. TFC is recouping some of the money being spent. Now with the sponsorship of both the jersey and the stadium deals up after the season and a competitive team on the pitch which means more people which includes additional concessions sales the revenue will continue to trend upwards.


giovinco on world high reels = sponsorship. TFC may not be growing as fast as we would like at home, but abroad its no longer an unknown.

we need to convince fans with a few seasons of playoffs before alot of the disgruntled fans come back

[Alonso]

If they sell Giovinco without him trying to force his way out I will never come back to watch TFC. I'm sure a lot of people feel this way with the way MLSE has run this organization since day one.


Yeah, at this point, Giovinco leaving would be the straw that broke the camels back with this franchise.

The people would leave in droves and probably never come back as long as the team was owned by MLSE.

[ensco]

"Leiweke Unplugged" ... The Ultimate Entertainer cleaning up loose ends. First and foremost, totally nuking the "Bez is the guy that actually signed Gio" story that got a lot of airtime a few months back.

http://www.torontosun.com/2015/10/21/leiweke-unplugged-outgoing-mlse-boss-dishes-on-15

[Areathrasher]

"Leiweke Unplugged" ... The Ultimate Entertainer cleaning up loose ends. First and foremost, totally nuking the "Bez is the guy that actually signed Gio" story that got a lot of airtime a few months back.

http://www.torontosun.com/2015/10/21/leiweke-unplugged-outgoing-mlse-boss-dishes-on-15

Really? I don't think it nukes anything.

I don't really give a shit who made the deal but from strictly Larson's pieces alone, one party went to Turin, wined and dined Gio and his agent. The other party made a phone call to Mark Abbott.

That's not nuking anything.

[ensco]

^You are missing my point. It's about the spin.

Leiweke was totally missing in the earlier stories, now it's Bez's name that gets airbrushed out.

I don't know what happened, but I am amused.

[Areathrasher]

^You are missing my point. It's about the spin.

Leiweke was totally missing in the earlier stories, now it's Bez's name that gets airbrushed out.

I don't know what happened, but I am amused.

Oh yea for sure :lol:

No doubt there will be a few more of these pieces in the coming weeks.

[QBall]

Here is the article referenced above that details the laundry list of stipulations that any new soccer stadium would have to meet if is located next to their place. It's crazy.

http://www.miamitodaynews.com/2015/07/28/marlins-contract-makes-soccer-next-door-a-tougher-game/

Wow, I thought NFL teams gave MLS teams the shaft. That's taking it to a whole new level.

[nfitz]

"Leiweke Unplugged" ... The Ultimate Entertainer cleaning up loose ends. First and foremost, totally nuking the "Bez is the guy that actually signed Gio" story that got a lot of airtime a few months back.

http://www.torontosun.com/2015/10/21/leiweke-unplugged-outgoing-mlse-boss-dishes-on-15I think that's more about closing the deal with MLS. And Bez closed the deal with Gio.

There's was a story in the Star a few days ago, where Leiweke drops Bez's name several times: http://www.thestar.com/sports/tfc/2015/10/17/tim-leiweke-says-loyal-fans-deserve-toronto-fcs-success.html - which I assume is the source for yesterday's story in the Sun.


Leiweke was totally missing in the earlier stories, now it's Bez's name that gets airbrushed out.Might speak more to the Sun than to Bez or Leiweke

[ensco]

I think that's more about closing the deal with MLS. And Bez closed the deal with Gio.

There's was a story in the Star a few days ago, where Leiweke drops Bez's name several times: http://www.thestar.com/sports/tfc/2015/10/17/tim-leiweke-says-loyal-fans-deserve-toronto-fcs-success.html - which I assume is the source for yesterday's story in the Sun.

Might speak more to the Sun than to Bez or Leiweke

I stand corrected. This is the right interpretation based on that story.