MLS commissioner Don Garber provided a state of the league ahead of Friday’s SuperDraft in Los Angeles.
I live-tweeted his statements from @DougRobersonAJC.
Here’s a bullet-point summary of the highlights:
- CONCACAF Champions League schedule will be changing. It's not friendly to MLS teams right now.
- He thinks time will come when every MLS team will have educational academy with full tuition for each player.
- He said the influx of players from Central and South America. Atlanta United has signed several such players, including Hector Villalba, Miguel Almiron, Yamil Asad and Greg Garza.
- He isn't worried about China as competition because he doesn't think their spending is sustainable. Atlanta United did lose a signing, Oscar Romero, to China.
- Those who watch leagues other than MLS cite better product on the pitch and better broadcast experience, among other things. He said the league will work to improve in those areas.
- Garber described what's going on in leagues below MLS in the U.S. as chaos, but later said he is confident that it will work out.
- Garber said there is more money spent on developing academies than on salaries 5-10 years ago. It's at least a $50 million investment. He said the goal is to surpass Mexico.
- Garber will be speaking with the mayor of San Diego this morning before the draft. The city recently lose the Chargers to Los Angeles.
- Garber said, when considering expansion, he focus on the owners. He said the league has an unbelievable committed group of owners.
- Expansion applications are due at the end of January. He expects 10 and said decisions on winners won't be made for six months.
- Garber said media coverage and TV ratings need to continue to grow. Average as of July was 312,000 viewers for games on ESPN and ESPN2. That's an increase from 235,000 viewers at same time in 2015.
- Garber said the goal is to become a league of choice. He cited Atlanta United manager Gerardo Martino, formerly of Barcelona, as an example.
About the Author
Keep Reading
The Latest
