Major League Soccer (MLS) Commissioner Don Garber recently expressed optimism about the robust state of soccer in the United States, highlighting the success of Apple's subscription service as the league gears up for the MLS Cup on Saturday.  Garber, who has extended his contract with MLS through 2027, revealed that over 12 million fans attended matches this year. This enthusiasm extended beyond the stadium, with a significant number of viewers tuning in to watch games remotely.

"We have surpassed our subscriber expectations, both ours and Apple's. More people are tuning in to watch our games," Garber stated. While Apple has kept the exact numbers under wraps, leading to speculation about their strength, Garber assured that there will be greater transparency in the future. "Transparency will increase over time," he mentioned.

The soccer commissioner is particularly pleased with the partnership with Apple, which has provided MLS with a platform to broadcast every game nationally. They have also streamlined the start times, with matches now beginning at two distinct times instead of the previous 60, making it more convenient for fans to catch the action. "We have the capacity to leverage technology, data, and multi-stream experiences, which would not have been possible with traditional broadcasting or even other streaming platforms," Garber explained. "Partnering with a company like Apple offers us the chance to address challenges and embrace a brighter future."

As preparations continue for the 2024 MLS Cup in Los Angeles, Garber is excited about the event. However, the league's star player, Lionel Messi, will not be participating. Instead, the LA Galaxy will aim to regain their status as the most successful club in MLS history, having secured a record five MLS Cups. They will face the New York Red Bulls, who are vying for their inaugural MLS Cup title after a remarkable turnaround from finishing last season in 26th place out of 29 clubs. "This demonstrates our commitment to competition parity, where any team has the potential to win at any given time," Garber said.

Garber acknowledged Messi's unparalleled impact on the sport. "The pink InterMiami jersey has become ubiquitous worldwide. It's the top-selling jersey for Adidas," he noted. However, he is not concerned about the post-Messi era, citing the promising pipeline of young talent. "I believe another Messi will emerge at some point," Garber stated. "We have consistently evolved by featuring high-profile players who can make a significant impact and break through in this highly competitive market."

Garber's comments come amidst a backdrop of growth and innovation in American soccer. The MLS Cup, set to take place in Los Angeles, is a testament to the league's expanding fan base and the increasing interest in the sport. The absence of Messi, while notable, does not detract from the excitement surrounding the event, as the LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls prepare for a thrilling showdown.

The LA Galaxy, with their storied history and five MLS Cup titles, are looking to reassert their dominance in the league. Their opponent, the New York Red Bulls, represent the underdog story, having climbed from the bottom of the standings to contention for the championship. This matchup encapsulates the spirit of competition parity that Garber champions, where every team has a fighting chance to claim the title.

Garber's confidence in the league's future, despite the absence of Messi, is bolstered by the emergence of new talent. He believes that the league's strategy of attracting high-profile players has been successful in raising the profile of American soccer and breaking through the crowded sports market. The success of the pink InterMiami jersey, which has become a global phenomenon, is a clear indication of the league's ability to capture the imagination of fans worldwide.

The partnership with Apple has been a game-changer for MLS, providing a national platform for every game and streamlining the viewing experience for fans. This collaboration has allowed the league to tap into the power of technology and data, offering multi-stream experiences that were previously unattainable. Garber sees this partnership as a key component in the league's ongoing evolution and growth.

As the MLS Cup approaches, the league is poised to showcase its competitive spirit and the excitement that soccer generates in the United States. With or without Messi, the league is committed to fostering an environment where any team can rise to the top, and every game has the potential to be a national event. Garber's vision for the future of MLS is one of continued growth, innovation, and the discovery of the next generation of soccer stars.