Soccer in the US: A Strong and Growing Force
The state of soccer in the United States is thriving, with Major League Soccer (MLS) Commissioner Don Garber reporting a significant increase in fan attendance and viewership. This season, over 12 million fans attended games, and the enthusiasm has translated to watching games outside the stadium as well.
A Successful Partnership with Apple
Garber attributes the success to the partnership with Apple, which has exceeded expectations. Although Apple has not released subscriber numbers, Garber is confident that the numbers are strong. He believes that the partnership has given MLS the platform to make every single game a national game, with streamlined start times and multi-stream experiences.
A Bright Future Ahead
As the 2024 MLS Cup approaches, Garber is optimistic about the future of soccer in the US. Despite the absence of Lionel Messi, the LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls are set to face off in the championship game. Garber acknowledges Messi’s impact on the game but is not worried about life after him, citing the exciting pipeline of younger players.
Commitment to Competition Parity
Garber emphasizes the commitment to competition parity, where any team can win on any given day. He points to the New York Red Bulls’ dramatic turnaround as an example, from finishing last season 26th out of 29 clubs to making it to the MLS Cup.
Evolution of the Game
Garber believes that the game will continue to evolve, with new players emerging to make a difference. He is confident that there will be another Messi-like player in the future, and that the league will continue to grow and thrive.
A Strong Foundation for Growth
With its strong foundation, MLS is poised for continued growth and success. As the league prepares for the 2024 MLS Cup, fans can expect an exciting and unpredictable championship game.
Leave a Reply