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Jeff Carlisle
WASHINGTON — MLS commissioner Don Garber praised the league’s advancements over the past season, indicating that while relegation and promotion aren’t off the table, any decisions on that front are still many years away.
“There’s no point in saying never because I can’t predict the future,” Garber remarked regarding promotion/relegation during a press conference at D.C. United’s Audi Stadium. “I never imagined we would adapt to the international calendar.”
He emphasized the significant investment by team owners in stadiums and training facilities, along with the league’s competitive balance, as foundations for maintaining the current system. Garber acknowledged the impact of Inter Miami, which is set to compete against the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup on Saturday, for breaking through the noise in the league.
“As the development of lower divisions continues to progress, perhaps we will see a suitable ecosystem. While I don’t think that ecosystem can exist now, you never know,” he added. “I’ve learned never to say never, but it doesn’t mean promotion/relegation is imminent.”
Garber shared metrics showcasing the league’s growth, including a 15% rise in revenue from 2024 and a 30% increase in viewership during the regular season, with a 23% boost in the playoffs.
“Soccer is now becoming an American pastime,” he stated, highlighting a transformative era for the sport.
He also reiterated his vision for “MLS 3.0,” which includes building new stadiums in Chicago, Miami, and New York, along with changing to a summer-to-spring season starting in 2027 to align with the European schedule.
“We are not only aligning ourselves with the world’s best, but we also aim to compete with them,” Garber said, reflecting on this dynamic era for soccer at all levels.
When asked about potential changes to roster rules, Garber avoided specifics, indicating, “We’ll do whatever it takes, and we’ve shown through our ventures that we are willing to take risks, some of which pay off and others that may require re-evaluation.”
Garber expressed concern regarding the situation in Vancouver, where the Whitecaps’ lease at BC Place expires at year-end, with progress on a new stadium site remaining slow.
The club’s owners announced last December that the team is for sale. Greg Kerfoot has been at the helm since 2002, 11 years before the team’s entry into MLS. He was joined by Steve Luczo, Jeff Mallett, and NBA star Steve Nash in 2008.
“The players, owners, and fans deserve better support from the city and province, and the current situation is untenable,” he stated.
“There needs to be a change in Vancouver. Currently, we are not on a path to achieve that. While we had a constructive meeting with the mayor regarding a new lease at BC Place, progress has stalled for a month.”
“Our goal is to provide for those who cherish having an MLS team to support. And that involves not just fans; it’s about community engagement from cities and provinces,” he added. “We are awaiting their responses, but if they fall short, we may have to make tough decisions.”
MLS recently announced its games would transition to Apple TV’s main subscription service, moving away from the previously separate MLS Season Pass. The two parties also agreed to terminate the deal early after the conclusion of the 2028-29 season. Garber views this change as a strategic pivot rather than a setback.
“Smart businesses plan strategically and have the courage to adapt if certain aspects aren’t meeting expectations,” he noted.
“Our initial deal was based on revenue sharing from subscriptions. Once that changed, we quickly re-evaluated and arrived at a new agreement, which includes different terms. Apple has been an outstanding partner throughout this process.”
Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.