MLS commissioner Garber not threatened by Saudi league growth - ESPN

Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber said Saudi Pro League's rapid growth and spending won't threaten the U.S. league's potential expansion into emerging viewing markets.

«You know, it's not just about Europe, right? It's about here. So I'm not threatened by that at all,» Garber told reporters Sunday night during a ceremony to present Lionel Messi as the newest player for Inter Miami CF.

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«I've seen it happen with China, and I wasn't concerned about that any more than I'm concerned about what's happening in Saudi Arabia, it's quite the opposite.»

Cristiano Ronaldo, who was first targeted by MLS, opted for Al Nassr in the Saudi league and other stars in Europe have since followed him, including Real Madrid and France striker Karim Benzema and Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino.

The league, bankrolled by the $620 billion Public Investment Fund (PIF), and the country aspire to elevate its football league to be among the top 10 in global revenue generation by 2030.

Garber, however, said he is confident MLS can bring in revenue by selling subscriptions to the league globally.

«The fact that we can spread the power and influence of professional football around the world, I think, gives us all who are in emerging markets an opportunity,» Garber said, adding that the league is already broadcasting in Spanish and with some games in French, and would consider other languages in other markets.

«I think there will be more opportunity for us to be very, very targeted to specific audiences, whether that's in Portuguese or other languages.»

Messi is the biggest star to play in the United States since Pele joined the now-defunct NASL's New York Cosmos in the 1970s.

Inter