Exploring the Growth and Impact of Major League Soccer in North America: Insights from Ray Hudson

6 min read
Jun 17, 2024, 1:59 PM

Ray Hudson on MLS: Growth, Comparisons, and Star Power

In an exclusive interview with Sol Fayerman-Hansen, editor-in-chief of RG.org, Ray Hudson, former footballer, manager, and renowned commentator known for his vivid descriptions of European football, shares his unique insights on Major League Soccer's development, its comparison to the Premier League, and the significant impact of international stars like Lionel Messi and David Beckham on the league's growth and recognition in North America.

Major Differences Between MLS and the Premier League

Messi & Ray Hudson

Ray Hudson on MLS's Evolution and Challenges "MLS has flourished, getting a phenomenal following now on the international level," Hudson reflects on the league's journey. He emphasizes the stark contrast between the league's humble beginnings and its current success, marking a trajectory "like a bottle rocket" with significant contributions from figures like Philip Anschutz, who he credits with saving the league from early financial turmoil.

"There's vast differences, and you know, the development of Major League Soccer in this country has been a brief span of time. It's been like the trajectory has been like a bottle rocket with few setbacks." 

The Messi Effect

A Game Changer for MLS The arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami has been nothing short of transformative. Hudson passionately discusses Messi's impact, noting that he "ignited what was already there" and "made the spark even bigger." Messi's presence has not only raised the profile of MLS globally but has also amplified interest and excitement around the sport in North America.

"Messi has ignited what was already there. He's certainly raised the profile of the game around the world after his magnificent success at the World Cup with Argentina."

David Beckham's Legacy and the Designated Player Rule Hudson also highlights the significant role David Beckham played in the evolution of MLS. Beckham's arrival marked the introduction of the Designated Player Rule, which allowed teams to invest in international stars, thereby raising the league's quality and global appeal.

"David Beckham's arrival... was hugely historic. It opened the door for phenomenally great players... That was very significant for the development and the continued improvement of the league."

Looking Forward

The American Influence in Global Soccer Hudson concludes by touching on the broader implications of American investments in global soccer, including ownership stakes in Premier League clubs. This "spreading of the wealth" represents a growing American influence in the sport, although the impact on the general public's perception remains nuanced.

"The spreading of the American interest in the global game as a business entity is substantial... It's a very real part of it but it's not something that the general public identified with specifically."

Future Outlook: The Continuing Rise of Major League Soccer in North America

As Major League Soccer continues to grow and captivate audiences, the contributions of international icons like Messi and strategic moves like the introduction of the Designated Player Rule signify a bright future for the sport in North America. With the upcoming World Cup poised to further elevate soccer's profile in the U.S., Hudson's insights remind us of the league's dynamic evolution and promising horizon.

Ray Hudson: From Professional Player to MLS Advocate

Ray Hudson Manager

Raymond Wilfred Hudson, born on March 24, 1955, is an English former professional football player and manager, currently excelling as a radio host for SiriusXM FC 157. Starting his professional career at the young age of 17 in 1973 with Newcastle United, Hudson quickly became a fan favorite, earning the nickname "Rocky." After spending four years with the Football League First Division side, he moved to the U.S., where he played with various teams for approximately 15 years.

Following his playing career, Hudson transitioned into coaching, taking the helm as head coach of the Miami Fusion in the middle of the 2000 season, and later, D.C. United in 2002. His coaching stint ended in 2004, leading him to a successful broadcasting career as a color commentator on television and radio. In 2012, he joined Sirius XM Radio, hosting The Football Show on SiriusXM FC 157.

<p>Sol has over 20 years of experience in writing for diverse industries including sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups. As the Editor-in-Chief at RG, Sol brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, focusing on delivering transparent, evidence-based content grounded in thorough research. Sol's mission is to empower readers to enjoy gambling responsibly and make informed decisions, enhancing their overall experience through insightful and engaging content. Under Sol's leadership, <a href="https://www.rg.org">RG</a> prioritizes the highest standards of integrity and reliability, ensuring that all information provided is accurate and trustworthy. Sol's dedication to transparency and research-based writing helps create a responsible gambling environment where readers can truly benefit from the content. This commitment to excellence has positioned RG as a leading source of information in the gambling industry.</p><p><strong>Experience:</strong></p><ul><li>Over 20 years in writing and editing across multiple industries</li><li>Former head of regional innovation at BMO Financial Group</li><li>Senior Writer, Online Casino Reports</li></ul>
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Paruyr Shahbazyan began his business career in 2000 as a private entrepreneur. Over thirteen years, he developed a deep understanding for business and leadership, laying a solid foundation for his professional journey.

In 2013, Paruyr stepped into the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating. This online mass media platform, which he led until 2020, focused on providing in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting, earning a reputation for its quality content. 

Continuing his innovative approach in 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This venture showcases his dedication to integrating advanced technology in the evolving landscape of sports betting. Through these diverse experiences, Paruyr has continuously influenced and shaped the betting industry, driving new trends and setting high standards.

 ExperienceYear
Engaged in private entrepreneurship2000-2013
Founder and President at Bookmaker Rating, an online platform focused on sports and betting2013-2020
Co-founder at Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol2022

"Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports." 

- Paruyr Shahbazyan, Founder, RG

 

Principles and Ethics

Paruyr Shahbazyan's core beliefs lie in the power of informed decision-making and integrity in the betting industry. He understands that the foundation of successful betting is not just about odds and predictions, but also about the trust and reliability of the information provided. Paruyr advocates for a betting environment where transparency and knowledge are paramount, ensuring that bettors are well-equipped with accurate data and insights.

Strategic Vision

Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports betting industry through the integration of technology. He sees the future of betting as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. His aim is to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical betting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable betting culture.

Future Perspectives

Looking towards the future, Paruyr envisions a betting landscape that is more inclusive, technologically advanced, and globally connected. He anticipates a significant shift towards more decentralized and transparent betting systems, driven by blockchain technology. Paruyr is committed to being at the forefront of this change, continuously exploring new possibilities and innovations that can redefine what it means to engage in sports betting in a digital world. His focus is on building systems that prioritize user empowerment, fairness, and the global growth of the sports betting community.

 

Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Editor-in-Chief

Sol has over 20 years of experience in writing for diverse industries including sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups. As the Editor-in-Chief at RG, Sol brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, focusing on delivering transparent, evidence-based content grounded in thorough research. Sol's mission is to empower readers to enjoy gambling responsibly and make informed decisions, enhancing their overall experience through insightful and engaging content. Under Sol's leadership, RG prioritizes the highest standards of integrity and reliability, ensuring that all information provided is accurate and trustworthy. Sol's dedication to transparency and research-based writing helps create a responsible gambling environment where readers can truly benefit from the content. This commitment to excellence has positioned RG as a leading source of information in the gambling industry.

Experience:

  • Over 20 years in writing and editing across multiple industries
  • Former head of regional innovation at BMO Financial Group
  • Senior Writer, Online Casino Reports
Cristina Varela Galan
Cristina Varela Galan
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Cristina used to work as a Psychology Assistant in the Bizkaia Pathological and Risky Gamblers Association. She was also part of a research team in Deusto University, specializing in pathological gambling area. While working there, she managed to develop her own project 

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Nick Ashbourne
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Between 2022 and 2023 he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets, and in 2024 he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the Responsible Gambler team.

Sergey Demidov
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Anna Kravtcova
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Daria Tuboltseva
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Daria went to St. Petersburg State University and earned a bachelor of international journalism. Working as a sports journalist from 2014, from 2016 as a hockey journalist. Covered 5 World Championships, 2022 Winter Olympics, 2020 World Juniors, 6 Gagarin Cup Finals. 

Owner of a telegram channel Coolest Game on Earth.

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Paul M. Banks
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Banks has made scores of guest appearances on live radio and television, featuring regularly on NTD News, WGN-TV, CCTV, ESPN Radio, the History Channel, SiriusXM and CBS Sports Radio.

He is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank.net, which has been featured and linked in hundreds of leading media outlets all across the world.

He has also authored two books, one of which, "No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in Sports Media," became an assigned textbook in journalism courses at State University New York-Oneonta.

Marco D'Amico
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Marco D'Amico is a beat reporter covering the Montreal Canadiens and the NHL Draft, while also being a recurring guest on TSN690 and BPM Sports. His work primarily on NHL CBA breakdowns and prospect analysis, all while covering the Montreal Canadiens on a day-to-day basis.

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