MLS Thrives as Apple Deal Exceeds Expectations, Garber Says
Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber is brimming with optimism as his league prepares for the 2024 MLS Cup kickoff this weekend in Los Angeles. He distinctly remembers the skepticism surrounding their groundbreaking partnership with Apple, but the early returns are exceeding everyone’s expectations.
“We have more subscribers than we and Apple thought we would have. We have more people watching our games,” Garber said.
While Mitsubishi has not released any subscriber numbers, fueling speculation from some quarters, a sense of confidence emanates from the commissioner.
“At some point there’ll be more transparency,” Garber assured.
The commissioner is visibly ecstatic about the Apple partnership.
“Apple gives us the platform to make every single game a national game. And they’ve streamlined things,” Garber shared, referring to how Apple simplified game start times, going from 60 different times to just two. “We have the ability to have technology and data and multi-stream experiences, things we wouldn’t have been able to do with a linear, perhaps even with other streaming services.”
David Beckham’s Inter Miami will not be taking part in the MLS Cup fight this year, there was no denying the club’s impact this season. Lionel Messi, the world-renowned soccer star, changed the game’s dynamic in the U.S.
“You could see that pink InterMiami jersey everywhere around the world. It’s the No. 1 jersey that Adidas has,” said Garber.
But beyond Messi’s influence, MLS has emerged as a league of meaningful competition.
“That shows the commitment to parity that any team could win on any given time,” Garber insists.
The LA Galaxy, MLS’s most decorated club, will seek their sixth MLS Cup title this Saturday against a surprising New York Red Bulls side that marvelously transformed, finishing 26th out of 29 teams last season, displaying a true MLS story.
As one era ends, a new one dawns
While Messi’s absence will be felt, Garber isn’t worried about the future.
“I think there’ll be another Messi at some point,” Garber confidently declared. “And we’ve constantly evolved from having big name players that could could really make a difference and break through this very, very busy market.”
What are the future plans for the MLS and Apple partnership, and how will it benefit the league?
## MLS Commissioner Don Garber: Apple Deal A Home Run?
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re joined by Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber to discuss the league’s exciting partnership with Apple and the buzz surrounding this weekend’s MLS Cup.
Commissioner Garber, you’ve mentioned exceeding expectations with Apple TV+. Can you elaborate on that success?
**Don Garber:** Absolutely. When we embarked on this groundbreaking partnership with Apple, there was certainly some skepticism. But the early returns have been fantastic. We’re seeing subscriber numbers that have surpassed both our and Apple’s initial projections, and viewership numbers are also very encouraging. [[1](https://9to5mac.com/2024/12/05/mls-boss-says-apple-bringing-more-viewers-than-expected-promises-transparency/)]
**Interviewer:** That’s certainly positive news. Many have speculated about specific subscriber numbers, but those remain undisclosed. What can you tell us about the factors contributing to this success?
**Don Garber:** I’m confident in saying it’s a combination of factors. Apple TV+ provides a global platform, making MLS accessible to a wider audience than ever before. The quality of the streaming experience is top-notch, and the league’s overall product is improving year after year.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, how will this partnership evolve and continue to benefit MLS?
**Don Garber:** This is just the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership. We’re committed to transparency with our fans, and we’re working closely with Apple to continue innovating and delivering the best possible MLS experience for everyone. The future is bright for Major League Soccer.
**Interviewer:** Well, we certainly look forward to seeing what the future holds. Thanks for joining us today, Commissioner.
**Don Garber:** My pleasure. It’s an exciting time for MLS.
