As many know, the North American Soccer League (NASL) enjoyed a period of wild success in the United States, especially at the time when major international superstars such as Pelé of Brasil and Franz Beckenbauer of Germany played for the New York Cosmos. Yet the league died a fitful death in what seemed to be an abrupt fashion.

Major League Soccer has been around for a little over 10 years, approaching the lifetime of the NASL (approximately 16 years). NASL clearly was unable to sustain their business model despite the successes of bringing these top level players, who, regardless of their prime, continue even today to be marketable.

What must the MLS do differently to continue and expand upon its success, and what should Beckham's role in this be?