The 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, known as USA 94, was a pivotal event that fundamentally altered the landscape of soccer in America and globally. Despite a lack of initial public buzz, the tournament leveraged its immense scale and advanced broadcasting capabilities to create a spectacle, breaking attendance records with an average of 68,991 fans per game. Architect Alan Rothenberg's innovative marketing, including large-scale press conferences and hospitality packages, was instrumental in transforming soccer from a fringe curiosity into a major event. This success catalyzed the formation of Major League Soccer in 1996 and paved the way for significant American investment in European football, with 11 American owners now in the Premier League. USA 94 laid the groundwork for the US to become a financial powerhouse in global soccer, leading to its current status as the sport's "ATM."