US soccer has attracted big names from Europe and South America as far back as 1980's. Some of the greatest footballers ever such as Pele, George Best, Bobby Moore to more recent players such as Paul Gasgoine, David Beckham and Steven Gerrard & Frank Lampard. All were worldclass players but nearing the end of there careers (34+) they tend to move to US Soccer. So it cant be money that attracts players because they are worth a lot less than when in their prime. Usually you will see the US teams sign players who are out of contract with their current team, no renewal of contract or have couple of years left in them to play professionally so the US clubs sign Top Class , world known players for OVER PRICED but hoping that they can bring in fans and increase popularity. There have been European soccer players worth more than $60million playing in the US but have made no change to the popularity of the sport despite all the hype. Look at when David Beckham moved to USA, the media went crazy, saying that he would change soccer in the US forever with bringing in more fans an gain more popularity to the sport.There is no doubt that soccer is more popular now in the US than it ever has been but the popularity is in schools and with firends NOT professionally. If the likes of Pele, George Best, Paul Gasgoine, David Beckham, couldn't change how soccer is viewed within the USA then it will never be as popular or compete with American Football, Basketball or baseball even hockey. Maybe there lies the issue in that the top 3 sports in US are major sports worth millions and millions with dedicated fanbase, Now look at Europe and UK top 3 sports they too are worth millions but American Football wouldn't and isn't popular in UK or Europe and although UK have an American Football team and play at Wembley it still has to compete with the 3 major sports futball, rugby, cricket (BORING) with dedicated fan base. I may be exaggerating the cricket part but it does have a fanbase and is popular in England but not so in Scotland ,Wales or Ireland.