The Future Of MLS

Filed in archive US Soccer on April 20, 2006

source: usatoady.com

MLS Commissioner Don Garber recently answered 20 questions from US soccer fans via email. You could read the complete text but it's mostly Garber saying "we are in discussions regarding that possibility," so here instead are the edited highlights:

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• MLS will expand into Canada in 2007 when a Toronto team is added


• On the Toronto team Canadians will count as domestic players, Americans as foreigners


• The plan is to have 16 teams by 2010 (this means 4 new teams)


• Other cities seriously considered for expansion: Atlanta, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Seattle


• Due to lack of infrastructure, promotion relegation in MLS is at least 10 years away


• Possibly single table and/or different play-off system for MLS 2007
  


• Plans to create a Champions League style competition between MLS and Mexican teams


• Hoping to get MLS teams in Copa Libertadores, eventually


• Shirt sponsorship is very real possibility in near future


• The draft sytem is here to stay


• Seriously considering "marquee player" rule (aka Beckham rule) where teams can have one star player whose salary doesn't count towards team salary cap