MLS Commissioner Don Garber Outlines Ambitious Future Plans for Major League Soccer

As Major League Soccer (MLS) wraps up its 29th season, Commissioner Don Garber has shared his vision for the league’s future, emphasizing growth opportunities in the wake of significant global soccer events. With the FIFA Club World Cup set for next year and the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, Garber believes North America is poised to become the epicenter of soccer.

Key Takeaways

• MLS is preparing for major international tournaments, including the FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup.
• Commissioner Garber hints at potential changes to the league’s calendar structure.
• The league has seen a significant increase in attendance and viewership metrics.

Garber’s remarks came just before the MLS Cup final, where the LA Galaxy triumphed over the New York Red Bulls, securing their sixth title. The match highlighted the competitive nature of the league, as even star-studded teams like Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, faced early playoff exits.

"Over the next two years, North America will be the epicenter of global soccer. We have an unbelievable opportunity to create this great trajectory and create even more momentum as we continue to grow our sport and our league for years to come," Garber stated.

Upcoming Major Events

• FIFA Club World Cup: Scheduled for June 15 to July 13, 2025, featuring MLS teams.
• 2026 FIFA World Cup: Co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with MLS teams participating.

Garber also addressed the league’s congested schedule, which includes various tournaments such as the Leagues Cup and the CONCACAF Champions Cup. He confirmed that MLS will not play during the 2026 World Cup, allowing players to participate in the global event.

Potential Calendar Changes

Garber hinted at a possible shift to a fall-to-spring calendar, similar to European leagues. He acknowledged that while this idea has been considered in the past, the current discussions are more serious than ever.

"Making those changes is something we’ve got to be very, very thoughtful about. I do think that we are considering, more than ever before, this opportunity to change. But it’s not something that we’re ready to talk about right now," he explained.

Attendance and Viewership Growth

The league has reported a 5% increase in attendance this season, totaling 11.45 million fans, with an average of 23,234 per match. This growth is attributed in part to the excitement surrounding Messi’s arrival in MLS, which has drawn younger audiences.

Garber noted that over a million viewers watch MLS games on a typical Saturday, with many matches available for free on Apple TV, enhancing accessibility for fans.

Conclusion

As MLS looks to the future, Garber’s leadership and vision will be crucial in navigating the league through this transformative period. With significant international events on the horizon and a focus on expanding the fan base, the next few years could define the trajectory of soccer in North America.

Sources

• MLS commissioner looks ahead to a busy next 2 years as the league concludes its 29th season | AP News, AP News.
• MLS Cup final score, result: LA Galaxy win MLS-best sixth Cup title with victory over Red Bulls in 2024 final, Sporting News.
• MLS commissioner Don Garber to stay through 2027 season, seeks more growth – The Athletic, The New York Times.
• MLS Commissioner Don Garber Hints at Calendar Overhaul: ‘We’re Taking It Seriously’ – footboom1.com, FootBoom.
• MLS commissioner looks ahead to a busy next 2 years as the league concludes its 29th season | MLS | lancasteronline.com, LancasterOnline.