Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber expressed confidence in the state of soccer in the U.S. and the success of Apple subscriptions as the league gears up for the MLS Cup on Saturday. During an appearance on the CNBC Sport videocast with Alex Sherman, Garber, who recently extended his contract with MLS until 2027, highlighted that over 12 million fans attended games this year, with the enthusiasm extending to viewership outside the stadiums.
Garber mentioned that the number of subscribers and viewership on Apple’s platform has surpassed initial expectations, indicating a positive trend for the league. While Apple has not disclosed specific subscriber figures, Garber hinted at the possibility of increased transparency in the future. He emphasized the benefits of the partnership with Apple, enabling MLS to broadcast every game nationally and streamline start times for viewer convenience.
Looking ahead to the 2024 MLS Cup in Los Angeles, Garber noted that star player Lionel Messi will not be participating. Instead, the LA Galaxy will aim to assert their dominance as the most successful club in MLS history, facing off against the New York Red Bulls, who are vying for their first MLS Cup after a remarkable turnaround from the previous season. Garber praised the competitive balance in the league, emphasizing the potential for any team to succeed.
Reflecting on Messi’s global impact on the sport, Garber acknowledged the significance of the player’s influence and popularity. Despite Messi’s absence, Garber expressed optimism about the future of MLS, citing the emergence of talented young players and the league’s ability to adapt to changes in the market. He remained confident that MLS would continue to evolve and thrive, anticipating the rise of new stars to follow in Messi’s footsteps.
