In 30 years, Major League Soccer has relied on many individuals and companies both on and off the field, to survive and thrive. Below is a review of the influential figures that have helped the league reach its current stature.
In its early years, MLS had quirky team names, skater culture jerseys, the old NASL shootout, and football lines during NFL season. After the growing pains of losing two teams and the building of soccer-specific stadiums, followed by the introduction of the Designated Player rule, MLS is now a 30-team league that regularly sells players to Europe and the rest of the world and plays to impressive attendance numbers.
Thriving team academies and a supporter culture unique to American sports have also flourished. Additionally, the league has become a force in the growing world of sports gambling, with many either betting offshore or wagering on matches via local sportsbooks.
There have been countless factors behind MLS’s growth, and here’s an overview of some of the league’s biggest influences over its 30 years.
Alan Rothenberg
Alan Rothenberg served as president of the United States Soccer Federation and played a key role in securing the 1994 and 1999 FIFA Men’s and Women’s World Cups for the U.S. He was also instrumental in getting MLS off the ground in 1996.
Quick fact: The MLS Cup was originally named the Alan Rothenberg Trophy from 1996 to 2007. Which brings us to our next influence…
Philip Anschutz
Major League Soccer would not be where it is today without Philip Anschutz. At a time when the league seemed on the brink of folding and there was little interest from new investors, Anschutz at one point owned as many as six teams. AEG controlled the Los Angeles Galaxy, Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids, Houston Dynamo, San Jose Earthquakes, DC United, and the New York/New Jersey MetroStars.
Anschutz advocated for the construction of soccer-specific stadiums, helped MLS create Soccer United Marketing, and eventually sold all of his clubs save for the Galaxy to new ownership groups. He’s the current namesake of the MLS Cup trophy, succeeding Rothenberg in 2008.
Don Garber
Don Garber was appointed MLS commissioner in 1999, a time when the league was headed toward obscurity. He helped chart a path to success for MLS, overseeing the addition of various new franchises and the signing of star players like David Beckham and Lionel Messi to increase exposure.
Although Garber has faced criticism for recent decisions, including on roster spending and the U.S. Open Cup pullout, he deserves credit for steering MLS toward success in times of trouble.
Lamar Hunt
Lamar Hunt accomplished what no one else had considered: He put pen to paper, and eventually shovels to concrete, to build the league’s first soccer-specific stadium. Columbus Crew Stadium, which opened in 1999, remains a groundbreaking achievement — proof that “if you build it, they will come.” Had Hunt not taken that risk, it’s hard to say where MLS teams would be playing today.
Tab Ramos
The very first player MLS ever signed was talented U.S. men’s national team midfielder Tab Ramos. He played his entire MLS career with the MetroStars and, despite dealing with injuries, was the first player from the 1994 USMNT World Cup squad to commit to the league and get others to sign up for the challenge of soccer in America.
David Beckham
David Beckham believed in the unthinkable: taking a league on the verge of collapse and turning it into what it is today. Without Beckham, MLS was close to folding. His arrival provided the spark the league needed, paving the way for the Designated Player rule.
Beckham’s influence wasn’t without bumps along the way, but in the end, everyone got what they wanted — MLS survived, built on Beckham’s arrival, and Beckham was able to buy Inter Miami at a fraction of the cost.
Soccer gained momentum in the U.S. with Beckham’s arrival, though it didn’t become a massive mainstream sport overnight. However, it made a significant step toward survival.
Landon Donovan
Landon Donovan may be criticized for spending much of his career in MLS. However, he wasn’t just a star on the national team, but he also provided the league with its only true American superstar week in and week out.
As the American face of U.S. Soccer, he was relatable to thousands of kids across the country who aspired to be the next Donovan. While he could have played in Europe, Donovan understood his role in helping build MLS — and he did exactly that.
Bruce Arena
Widely regarded as the best coach in MLS history, Bruce Arena was tasked with building a dynasty at DC United. He later made the Los Angeles Galaxy successful, winning titles with Beckham and Donovan. Arena’s 2002 USMNT was also pivotal in raising hope for soccer in the country during a crucial time in the league’s history.
adidas
adidas has been a committed partner to MLS since 2005, becoming the exclusive uniform supplier for all MLS teams. As of this writing, adidas will continue to be the official kit supplier until 2030.
Beyond apparel, adidas was instrumental in leveraging its partnership to bring Lionel Messi to Inter Miami. The Three Stripes has proven to be a major partner for MLS in various capacities.
FC Dallas Academy
The FC Dallas youth academy has been by far the most successful in terms of player development, producing stars like Weston McKennie, Ricardo Pepi, and Chris Richards, among others. This success has demonstrated that building homegrown players can be a valuable investment, with potential returns when they are sold to international clubs.
Many teams have followed suit, developing deep roots in their communities and nurturing future homegrown stars.
Arthur Blank
Arthur Blank’s Atlanta United revolutionized the way MLS teams build their rosters and sign players. Blank was willing to spend millions to attract the best talent available. While Atlanta United hasn’t always been the best team in MLS, it has certainly been one of the biggest spenders since its inception.
Apple
There are various opinions on the MLS-Apple TV deal, and there’s much to unpack. Before Apple stepped in to carry the league worldwide, MLS faced uncertain times in terms of broadcasting deals. With poor TV ratings and little interest from major networks like ESPN, Fox, or CBS, MLS needed a solution. Apple TV provided a platform for the league, offering an unprecedented showcase of MLS content.
Though the deal comes with a paywall, Apple TV has provided the best MLS content since the league’s inception. However, mainstream access in America remains limited, and time will tell if that “blackout” was good for the league.
Guillermo Barros Schelotto
It might seem odd to include Guillermo Barros Schelotto on this list, but his arrival at Columbus Crew in 2007 was pivotal for the league. Schelotto opened a pipeline to Argentina that MLS had never seen before, helping the league gain exposure to Latin America. His presence paved the way for players like Diego Valeri, Sebastián Blanco, Ignacio Piatti, and more. Today, the league continues to be a place for Argentine footballers both old and young to thrive.
Supporter Culture
MLS owes much of its identity to its passionate supporters. The league’s die-hard fans have made MLS unique, offering a more energetic and engaging in-game experience than the often-stale atmosphere at MLB games or the increasingly commercialized NBA.
While the NFL, College Football, and some aspects of the NHL rival MLS’s in-game experience, MLS games stand out for the energy and commitment of its supporters. Despite many criticisms, jabs, and snobbery, these fans have stuck with the league, continuously providing their unwavering support.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi’s arrival at MLS has been a game-changer. His contract, one of the most lucrative in sports history, has already had a major impact on the league. When healthy, Messi has provided incredible highlight reels, scored spectacular goals, and driven shirt sales through the roof.
Messi’s influence has propelled MLS to new heights, though there’s still room for a more significant media presence in the U.S. A more communicative Messi might help further elevate the league, but for now, his talent on the field continues to captivate the world.
