Growth in the Popularity of Soccer

Bloomberg.com

The economic principle I’m exploring is: Institutions are the “rules of the game” that influence choices.

 My research question to help me study the economic principle is: What makes international soccer teams successful? How does FIFA ensure that teams are treated equally?

 The article published on Bloomberg titled “Soccer Is the World’s Most Popular Sport and Still Growing” demonstrates this economic principle by showing the popularity throughout the US and the world. 

 First, is the world’s most popular sport and won’t stop growing. Different players emerge and new teams are constantly being formed. In the US right now, there are 3 upcoming team being added to the MLS. These teams are being hosted in cities like: Nashville, Miami, and Cincinnati. According to Bloomberg, “4 out of every 10 people consider themselves soccer fans. 43 percent of people said they were “interested” or “very interested” in the sport.” This shows the popularity of the sport as it is now. Soccer is able to continue to grow due to the improvements that they are making.

 Second, the amount of money that FIFA is able to add to its marketing is crucial to be able to express soccer in a more global setting. This is important because we see commercials and advertisements that the organization has to pay for all around the world. This helps to get the name out for more people to see as well as marketing themselves as a group. Bloomberg had stated that: “Soccer’s global governing body is expected to take in $3 billion in media rights for the 2018 World Cup, an increase of $600 million over 2014. But to capitalize on its newest fans, FIFA, like most rights holder in sports, will need to figure out how to make money off mobile viewers: Among fans aged 11-20, some 25 percent plan to watch the 2018 World Cup via smartphone or tablet.” FIFA is making the games and news more accessible to a younger audience which is a good move as the younger generation is becoming more and more attracted to electronics.

 Third, even in the US the sport is growing. FIFA is continuing to add to the MLS which is making the sport much more enjoyable to watch. The MLS is currently attracted to more well known names like Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimvić. These two figures have been crucial to their team’s success. However, the MLS still has some work to do on their views and attendance as they are not as heavily involved in the sport in comparison to other countries. According the Bloomberg, “in the US, 32 percent of those polled expressed interest in the game, with young people much more likely to follow soccer when compared to their parents.” This is very promising to upcoming generations because parents will have a positive influence on their children. This will continue to help the sport flourish.