Years after Beckham-mania, fan activism and changes in recruitment strategy secured club’s first MLS Cup since 2014When the Major League Soccer champions were crowned last December, Lionel Messi was not on the podium. He, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets and the rest of the Inter Miami galácticos had been dispatched in the playoffs. Instead, the new kings of US football were the old aristocrats of LA Galaxy, back on top after a 10-year absence, but without a household name in their ranks.The team that brought you Beckham-mania, staged the Captain America show and gave a number of people Zlatan-itis had retaken the summit of the US club game with a roster of unheralded talent. But the twist was more profound than that: this 180-degree turn on strategy was brought about by fan activism, after supporters went on strike to force the club to change their approach. Continue reading...
LA Galaxy, after a decade-long absence, reclaimed the MLS title in December against the New York Red Bulls without relying on big-name stars like Lionel Messi. Following fan protests and a boycott sparked by salary guideline breaches aimed at acquiring more stars, the team shifted its focus to developing talent and improving the fan experience. This strategy led to increased ticket revenue, a strong home record, and a renewed connection with supporters.
