This is kind of an open statement directed towards comments about quick turnarounds.

In an league in which is owned by a single entity, is it not within the league's interest to ensure certain markets are successful in order to maximize profits for this single entity owner?

Consider a few, very cursory examples:

Kansas City finished 13th overall in 2009. In 2010, they broke ground on a new stadium and signed a local TV contract. The squad improved to 3rd in the east that year and are reasonably competitive this year.

RSL - announce plans to build Rio Tinto Stadium in 2006. In 2007, a number of key players are acquired via MLS trades including Beckerman. In 2008, the stadium opens and RSL qualifies for the playoffs for the first time and hasn't missed since.

NY Red Bulls - Red Bull Arena opens in 2010. In the offseason, new coach, an influx of new players and a 3rd overall record
I'm not at all suggesting match fixing. However, it wouldn't be beyond impossible to think that certain connections could be used to help teams, that the league wants/needs to see be successful, to acquire players.

It reminds me a little of the Memorial Cup in Junior hockey. It is a 4 team tournament consisting of the Champ from Quebec, Ontario, Western Hockey and the host city. The host city gets in based on the fact that they are the host city, not on record.

Sort of a risk at Junior hockey's biggest showcase. They try to mitigate that by selecting the host city based on perceived competitiveness at the time of the tournament but injuries and the nature of competition sometimes put them in a risk.

So, it is not uncommon, that should the host city be less than competitive that a mid-season trade(s) be engineered. Invariably, the host city is improved over the short term and the tournament goes forward.


If this holds any water, our challenge in Toronto is that the league doesn't need Toronto to be more competitive on the field for any reason at this point. We are selling tickets and making profit. The TV contract is there, it could be a little better but it is there. There are no real close geographical rivals, outside of Montreal and they already have their expansion money. Unless Buffalo and Detroit get in on it, we are a bit of an island.