sports
CNBC Sport: The plan for this year's World Cup to revolutionize Major League Soccer
MLS Commissioner Don Garber is banking on this year's World Cup to change the trajectory of American soccer.
TL;DR
- The World Cup is viewed as a defining moment for Major League Soccer's history and growth.
- MLS will transition to a summer-to-spring season starting in 2027, aligning with European leagues.
- This schedule change aims to optimize playoff timing and align transfer windows for player acquisition and sales.
- Promotions like "First Match On Us" and a mid-World Cup hiatus are planned to maintain fan engagement.
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino aims to make soccer one of the top sports in the U.S.
- The league plans a "sprint season" in early 2027 to adjust to the new schedule.
- MLS seeks to increase the global brand value of its teams to rival top European clubs.
- While a successful U.S. team performance in the World Cup would be beneficial, MLS's growth is no longer solely reliant on it.