Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber said soccer in the U.S. is in strong shape. apple Subscriptions exceeded expectations as the league prepares for Saturday’s MLS Cup.
Appeared on CNBC Sports Video Alex ShermanGarber, who just signed a new contract with Major League Soccer through 2027, said more than 12 million fans attended games this year. This enthusiasm also translates to watching games outside the stadium.
“We have more subscribers than we and Apple thought. We have more people watching our games,” Garber said.
Apple hasn’t released any user numbers yet, leading some to speculate that the numbers might not be very strong.
“At some point, there’s going to be more transparency,” Garber said.
However, the football commissioner said he is very happy with the relationship, noting that Apple provides MLS with a platform to make every game a national fixture. They have also simplified start times, meaning games now start at two different times instead of 60 different times to make it easier for fans to tune in.
“We have the ability to have the technology, the data and the multi-stream experience that we can’t do with linear or even other streaming services,” Garber said. “So when you can partner with a company like Apple, you have A chance to solve problems and move toward a better future.”
Garber, meanwhile, is preparing for the 2024 MLS Cup, which kicks off Saturday in Los Angeles. But Lionel Messi, the crown jewel of Major League Soccer (MLS), will not be playing.
Instead, the LA Galaxy will attempt to regain their status as MLS’s most successful club, having won a record five MLS Cup titles. They will face the New York Red Bulls, who are seeking a first-ever MLS Cup title and made a dramatic turnaround after finishing 26th out of 29 clubs last season.
“It shows a commitment to competitive equality that any team can win at any given time,” Garber said.
Garber admitted Messi’s impact on the game was unprecedented.
“You see pink Inter Miami jerseys all over the world. It’s Adidas’ No. 1 jersey,” he said.
But he is not worried about life after Messi as he points to the exciting pipeline of young players.
“I think at some point there will be another Messi,” Garber said. “We continue to grow and have big-name players who can really make a difference and break through in what is a very, very busy market.”
