Revolution Notebook: Soccer Media Landscape Gets Smaller
Revolution Notebook: Soccer Media Landscape Gets Smaller As Vox Media Shutters MLS Sites
This past week was a busy one for the New England Revolution but before we get to the team’s week in review I want to start on the media side of things. On Friday Vox Media announced that they would be stop supporting their MLS sites which includes The Bent Musket.
Awful news and it means the contraction of media companies covering the sport continues. TBM has been a staple for Revolution coverage for years and has been one of the most consistent aspects of the beat. I am sure the team over at TBM will be back better than ever but it’s still sad to see soccer continue to lack the financial support needed to grow.
MLS as a whole is becoming largely a closed off league driven by the Apple TV contract and the reality that some of the bigger followed reporters who cover the league being either league employees or team employees. Independent coverage is paramount for transparency and the fact that it is seemingly becoming less relevant is startling.
Friday’s news is once again a strong reminder to support local independent soccer journalism. As someone that has converted the Revolution since 2016 I have seen countless reporters come and go. If you want independent coverage to continue I encourage you to subscribe to myself or the others that cover the team for little to no money.
I am bullish on the sport of soccer. Investment is coming to the sport by big money ahead of the 2026 World Cup. There is opportunity for growth not only in the sport but for media as well.
Now onto what happened on the field…
DeJuan Jones was called up to the United States Men’s National Team for their January camp. Jones will train with the team and is eyeing a spot on the final roster to earn his first cap in friendlies that take place next week. This is the outside backs second call in to USMNT camp. Seems like a no brainer as Jones has already proven to be one of the best outside backs in MLS. Deserved another look.
The team resigned trade acquisitions Latin Blessing and Dave Romney to two-year contracts thru the 2024 season and a team option for 2025 using Targeted Allocation Money. We will see what the wage bill looks like but seems like a wise move given the acquisition cost of both players.
Dylan Borrero was called in to the Colombian national team who play the United States on January 28th. This is his first senior team call-up.
MLS announced the Leagues Cup groups for 2023 which is a World Cup style tournament. Revolution will take on Atletico de San Luis and the New York Red Bulls starting July 21st. MLS will be pausing its regular season during this tournament.