SoccerAmerica - MLS millionaire club grows 10/05/2012

[MONEY MATTERS] Three of the 12 MLS player making seven figures in total compensation arrived in the middle of the 2012 season, including Australian midfielder Tim Cahill, who was guaranteed $3.6 million by the New York Red Bulls, the fourth-highest salary in the league. The Red Bulls have three of the four highest players in the league, according to updated salary figures released by the MLS Players Union.

(Click here for player salaries in alphabetical order and here for club-by-club player salaries.)

Italian Marco Di Vaio debuted for Montreal in June, and Scottish international Kenny Miller joined Vancouver in July.

There are risks to shelling out big money, though. Three of the 12 seven-figure earners are out for the season: Torsten Frings and Danny Koevermans (both Toronto FC) and Kris Boyd (Portland).

2012 Top MLS Earners (Total Compensation)
1. Thierry Henry (New York) $5.6 million
2. Rafa Marquez (New York) $4.6 million
3. Tim Cahill (New York) $3.6 million
4. David Beckham (Los Angeles) $4 million
5. Robbie Keane (Los Angeles) $3.4 million
6. Landon Donovan (Los Angeles) $2.4 million
6. Torsten Frings (Toronto FC) $2.4 million
8. Marco Di Vaio (Montreal) $1.9 million
9. Danny Koevermans (Toronto FC) $1.6 million
10. Kris Boyd (Portland) $1.5 million
11. Julian de Guzman (Dallas) $1.9 million
12. Kenny Miller (Vancouver) $1.2 million

8 comments

Ivan Mark Radhakrishnan

commented on: October 5, 2012 at 8:47 a.m.

Interesting, but this is 'not the stuff' that Markets Football!

Bob Escobar

commented on: October 5, 2012 at 9:25 a.m.

....and some of these called "designated" players actually "suck", they are not worth the money these MLS teams are paying, there are so many "solid" American players "better" and More "productive" than Rafa Marquez (always injured) and useless on the field, Tim Cahill (all he does is run around) and "some" other "over the hill" English and European players.....the American players deserving "more" money are Chris Wondolowski, Kenny Cooper, Chris Pontius and a few other "deserving" American players....I can see if they bring in some "outstanding" South American players, for that kind of money they will come and "shine", and they will probably do it for a lot less money!!!!

Gus Keri

commented on: October 5, 2012 at 10:05 a.m.

These salaries are not based only on the playing ability. They are based on the players' marketability which is as important. 1- How many more fans come to watch them in stadiums and on TV. 2- How many jerseys and merchendises they sell. 3- how much more exposure the league gets outside of this country. All are important factors.

K G

commented on: October 5, 2012 at 12:31 p.m.

Interesting list especially when compared to titles won. NY cabinet is currently being, well, locked up in layaway shall we say. LA is enjoying a decent run in CCL play, but is not a dominant side in MLS this year. Marketing forces being what they are, the on-field product is sketchy at best.

Vince Leone

commented on: October 5, 2012 at 12:56 p.m.

This list is so marketable!!! I can't wait to buy tickets to see the likes of Danny Koevermans and Kenny Miller, not to mention Kris Boyd! Wow! I hope Marquez's name sells lots of tickets because he sure has not done anything else worthwhile.

Gus Keri

commented on: October 5, 2012 at 1:59 p.m.

Like in any business plan, some deals work out and other don't. Who would've thought that Marquez, the Mexican superstar who played for the best club in the world winning the UCL on his way, would falter big in the MLS. With the large Mexican population in the Metro area, it seemed an excellent deal. I guess MLS should require a psychological evaluation to any player they wish to sign in the future.

David Mozeshtam

commented on: October 5, 2012 at 4:06 p.m.

Who is ever going to go to a game just to see Kris Boyd or Kenny Miller?? Maybe the MLS should try to market those who actually perform?

Vince Leone

commented on: October 5, 2012 at 8:08 p.m.

My suggestion would be to spend the money to get some good attacking Mexican players--though I don't know how well Cuauhtémoc Blanco produced at the gate. On the other hand, MLS is definitely getting a number of good Columbian players for cheaper prices than Mexicans, so I think that strategy is good also.

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