Building in Public
OpenMarkets· Updated 23d ago

Are the Northeast markets strong enough — and which 8 cities?

The data says the energy is in the South and West. APL says the Northeast has structural advantages. The market selection framework evaluates candidates across 7 criteria.

The Options

Stick with NE focus

All 8 launch markets in New England corridor.

Pros

  • +45M people within 2 hours
  • +Highest youth soccer participation nationally
  • +40+ D1-D3 college soccer programs
  • +Deep immigrant soccer communities
  • +Travel efficiency: all within 3-hour drive

Trade-offs

  • −SBRnet data says South Atlantic and Texas have more energy
  • −Similar NE markets have failed (Long Island, Bridgeport, Hartford)
  • −Small metros: Worcester 206K, New Haven 134K, Albany 100K

Evidence

Regional soccer fandom distribution (Sun Belt vs NE)NE launch framework & sub-questions
5 votes · Team 1 · Community 4100%

Expand beyond NE

Include high-demand markets outside the Northeast.

Pros

  • +Follow the actual demand data
  • +Larger metros = higher ceiling
  • +South Atlantic has 11.5M soccer viewers

Trade-offs

  • −Travel costs explode beyond 3-hour radius
  • −Operational complexity increases dramatically
  • −Lose the regional identity advantage

Evidence

Where international-viewer energy is highestHonest markets vs national ambition
0 votes

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