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Article: MLS eliminates fusion, mutiny: unlike baseball, soccer was able to contract to make `a more viable business.' (Sports).(Major League Soccer eliminates Miami, Tampa Bay franchises)(Brief Article)
- Article from:
- Insight on the News
- Article date:
- February 11, 2002
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2002 News World Communications, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Major League Soccer (MLS), which has struggled mightily for six years to make a dent in the American sporting consciousness, has announced its plan to eliminate the Miami and Tampa Bay franchises. The move, expected for months, represents the strongest statement yet on the league's woes.
Since MLS' formation in 1996, the league has enjoyed regular exposure on ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 and the inclusion of many popular national and international stars. But with a level of play widely deemed as inferior to most major European leagues, on top of America's historical reluctance to embrace professional soccer, MLS has lost more than $250 million during its six seasons.
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