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Jeff Carlisle
WASHINGTON — MLS commissioner Don Garber praised the league’s advancements over the preceding season, noting that while he wouldn’t dismiss the possibility of implementing relegation and promotion, any decision is years or even decades away.
«There’s really no sense in saying never because I can’t predict what the future may hold,» Garber remarked regarding promotion/relegation on Thursday night at a press conference held at D.C. United‘s Audi Stadium. «I honestly never envisioned we would transition to the international calendar.»
Garber pointed to the substantial investment by owners in stadiums and training facilities, along with the league’s competitive balance, as justification for retaining the current framework. He did express his appreciation for Inter Miami, who will face off against Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup final on Saturday, for their ability to «stand out.»
«Perhaps as the growth of the lower divisions continues to prosper, as they have been doing for years, a suitable ecosystem will form, but I’m uncertain. To be honest, I don’t think that ecosystem is feasible today, but who knows?» he added. «I’ve learned to always say never say never. That doesn’t imply we’re implementing promotion/relegation anytime soon.»
Among the statistics Garber mentioned about the league, he noted a 15% increase in revenue compared to 2024, along with a 30% rise in viewership across all platforms during the regular season, and 23% during the playoffs.
«We are experiencing a dramatic, generational shift. Soccer is now an integral part of American culture,» he stated.
Garber also reiterated his vision of «MLS 3.0,» which encompasses the construction of stadiums in Chicago, Miami, and New York, and a transition to a summer-to-spring schedule beginning in 2027 that aligns with the European calendar.
«We’re not merely aligning with the world’s finest; we aspire to compete with them,» Garber asserted. «We’re in the midst of the most exhilarating phase for the sport we could have ever anticipated, at every level.»
When questioned about potential changes to the roster rules, Garber refrained from providing specifics, stating, «We’ll do whatever is necessary, and we’ve demonstrated that we’ll take risks, with some yielding benefits while others might set us back competitively.»
Garber was less optimistic regarding the scenario in Vancouver, where the Whitecaps’ lease with their home venue BC Place ends at the year’s conclusion, and efforts to secure a new soccer stadium site are progressing slowly.
In December, Vancouver’s ownership revealed that the club was up for sale. Greg Kerfoot has owned the team since 2002, 11 years before its entry into MLS. Steve Luczo, Jeff Mallett, and former NBA star Steve Nash partnered with Kerfoot in 2008.
«The MLS team, its ownership, its supporters, its players have done everything to earn the backing they’re currently not receiving from the city and province, which is an untenable circumstance,» he said.
«What we have there must change. And at present, we’re not on a clear path to achieve that. … We had a very constructive discussion with the mayor. We’re striving for an improved lease at B.C. Place right now. There has been no progress on that front, and it’s been a month.»
«We are focused on fulfilling the needs of those who genuinely desire to have an MLS team that they can cherish and support. And that encompasses more than just fans. They have done their part,» he added. «Cities and provinces need to do so too; we’re still waiting to see if they can deliver. And if not, we will have to make some difficult decisions.»
MLS recently announced the transition of its games to Apple TV’s primary subscription service, after previously existing as MLS Season Pass, an additional subscription under the Apple TV brand. The two parties also agreed to terminate the partnership early following the 2028-29 season. Garber didn’t perceive this change as a setback but rather a means to remain adaptable if certain aspects of the deal were ineffective.
«Successful businesses focus on strategic planning and decision-making, along with the fortitude to adjust and refine those choices if they aren’t producing the intended results,» he noted.
«We initially had a revenue-sharing agreement based on subscriptions. When that aspect changed, we quickly reconvened and decided, ‘Let’s revise our agreement,’ which involves different terms and other components. They couldn’t have been easier to collaborate with. They couldn’t have been more astute partners. They’ve been exceptional collaborators.»
Data from The Associated Press contributed to this report.
