As the director of cultural programming for Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, Justin Litterelle provides direction for the company's entertainment and nightlife venues. Outside of his professional pursuits, Justin Litterelle enjoys playing and watching soccer.
In 2001, Major League Soccer (MLS) appeared to be on the verge of bankruptcy just five years after it was created. Two of its 12 teams had to fold that year and, since 1996, the league had lost $250 million. Yet, instead of filing for bankruptcy and ending operations, owners Lamar Hunt, Philip Anschutz, and Robert Kraft banded together to take over the remaining 10 teams and give the league another chance at success. That decision has paid off tremendously.
Now in its 22nd year of existence, the MLS has 22 teams and prospective owners are more than happy to pay the $150 million expansion club fee. The league has major sponsorship from large companies such as Microsoft Corporation, AT&T, and Home Depot, and has experienced consistent growth in attendance, TV ratings, and average club value. Additionally, the secondary market for MLS tickets has experienced 300 percent growth since 2011, which is greater than any other major sports league during the same time period. The tide seemed to turn for the league in 2007, when it signed an eight-year TV deal with ESPN worth $8 million per season. MLS also added the successful Toronto FC franchise that year, while popular player David Beckham joined the LA Galaxy, which paved the way for other international stars to sign with MLS teams.
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