WASHINGTON, D.C. — Traditionally, MLS Commissioner Don Garber holds his annual “State of the League” press conference at the site of MLS Cup. But with Inter Miami hosting the Whitecaps a day after the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw in D.C., the league instead hosted media and soccer luminaries for a joint press conference-reception at Audi Field on Thursday night. Recognizing a unique opportunity to influence global opinion of the league, Garber tailored his messaging to the large contingent of international press in town for the draw that also attended MLS’s event.
He sought to dispel the lingering perception that MLS is a “retirement league,” pointing out the average age of new international players since 2018 is just 24. He touted the league -- with its cost-controlled roster rules and lack of promotion and relegation -- as a beacon of stability in an often-unstable sport around the world. Most importantly, he highlighted MLS’s growth over the past 30 years into a significant part of the North American sports landscape and an increasingly meaningful player in the global soccer ecosystem. “As we prepare to host the world again in 2026, the progress is not just clear --it’s extraordinary,” Garber said. “Soccer has arrived, and Major League Soccer is one of the drivers behind the success of the sport in our region today.”
Boldfaced names in attendance included U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson and President Cindy Parlow Cone, Audi of America President Daniel Weissland, D.C. United owner Jason Levien and President of Business Operations Danita Johnson, Brazilian Football Confederation Director of International Offices & Relations Bruno Costa, former MLS Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott and St. Louis City SC President & GM Diego Gigliani.
To read more on Garber’s comments, see Alex Silverman’s full story here.
