With 30 teams, global stars, and billions invested, Garber's MLS is a force to be reckoned with
Lionel Messi is on fire, dazzling the crowd yet again. The Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star Skills Challenge is electrifying, and the league is thriving. But the success of MLS today is a far cry from its humble beginnings. Leading this transformation is Don Garber, the longest-serving football commissioner globally and the second-longest in all sports.
The Man Behind MLS' Growth: Don Garber's Journey
Don Garber has been the Commissioner of Major League Soccer (MLS) since 1999, making him one of the most influential figures in modern football. His tenure has seen the league evolve from a fledgling operation with a shaky foundation to a thriving enterprise, now boasting 30 teams and a vast global following. Before joining MLS, Garber spent 16 years with the NFL, bringing a wealth of experience from a sport that defined American culture. He is widely regarded for his strategic vision and ability to innovate, transforming MLS into one of the fastest-growing sports leagues in the world.
A New Era: MLS’ Humble Beginnings
In the late '90s, soccer in the U.S. had yet to find its footing. The NASL had crumbled, and although the 1994 World Cup in the U.S. was a resounding success, the excitement quickly waned. Don Garber stepped into the role of MLS Commissioner in 1999, during a time when critics doubted soccer's ability to succeed on American soil.
"I came from the NFL, where everything was larger-than-life, and suddenly, I found myself in near-empty stadiums, watching games that felt, frankly, more like exhibitions," Garber recalls. "It was clear we had to make drastic changes."
At the time, MLS had only one soccer-specific stadium and was still using rules that confused American fans. The infamous “shootout” to break ties, for example, was unpopular and felt foreign. Garber knew that to win over American fans, MLS had to embrace the international standard of the beautiful game while creating its own distinct identity.
Key Decisions: Governance, Infrastructure, and a Global Vision
Garber’s vision was clear: MLS needed a solid governance structure and significant investment in soccer-specific infrastructure. He quickly moved to establish a league-wide strategy, uniting the various owners under a central leadership model. Under his guidance, the league adopted the international rules of football and started investing in soccer-only stadiums.
"One of the pivotal moments was realizing that we needed to build our own homes—soccer-specific stadiums," Garber explains. Today, 26 MLS teams play in their dedicated venues, and attendance has surged. This focus on infrastructure is just one of the many moves that have propelled MLS into a legitimate player on the global soccer stage.
Today, MLS is home to players like Lionel Messi, who recently joined Inter Miami and has reignited interest in American soccer in ways never seen before. Garber acknowledges Messi's impact, saying, "Having someone of Messi's caliber in the league shows how far we've come. It’s not just about the players—it's about the fans, the communities, and the culture that’s been built."
Building the Future: From 10 Teams to 30
Back when Garber started, there were only 10 MLS teams, and many of them struggled to gain a foothold in their markets. Fast forward to today, and the league boasts 30 teams, with San Diego recently joining the fold. MLS is no longer the underdog in North American sports. It is a league recognized for its growth, stability, and commitment to youth development.
Through partnerships with companies like Apple, Adidas, and various investors, MLS has generated billions in investments, from stadiums to youth academies. "We now have MLS Next Pro, a reserve league that feeds into our main teams, similar to Europe’s model," Garber shares. "Our infrastructure rivals that of any football league in the world."
The Future of MLS: Global Ambitions
When asked about the future, Garber speaks confidently: "The U.S. is hosting the 2026 World Cup, and that will be a transformative moment for soccer in this country. We’re aiming to position MLS as a top-tier league globally, and I believe we’re well on our way."
From a struggling league to an international force, MLS under Garber’s leadership is a story of perseverance, innovation, and belief in the power of the sport to capture the hearts of Americans. For Garber, the journey is far from over, but the foundation has been firmly set.
As Garber himself puts it, "There’s no limit to what we can achieve."
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