MLS Commissioner Teases Massive Shake-Up That Could Transform League Forever
FORT LAUDERDALE — MLS Commissioner Don Garber hasn't completely dismissed the possibility of implementing promotion and relegation in the league's future plans.
The 68-year-old Garber spoke to media members in Washington, D.C. on Thursday during his yearly State of the League presentation, typically held in the MLS Cup host city but moved this year due to the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw ceremony.
Though he has historically rejected pro-rel discussions, Garber adopted a "never say never" stance when questioned about the subject, as MLS wraps up its 30th campaign and inaugural season featuring 30 teams spanning the United States and Canada, culminating with Saturday's championship match between Inter Miami and Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
"There's little sense in declaring 'never' because I can't predict what lies ahead. I certainly never imagined we would align with the international calendar," he stated, referencing MLS's planned shift to a winter-based schedule to mirror the world's premier leagues beginning in 2027–28.
"Perhaps as lower division development continues its impressive growth trajectory over recent years, a suitable ecosystem might emerge, though I'm uncertain. Honestly, I don't think such ecosystems are viable currently, but anything's possible.
"I've discovered the wisdom in never saying never. That doesn't indicate we're implementing promotion-relegation in the immediate future."
Historically, MLS has resisted promotion and relegation concepts. The league launched in 1996 with 10 teams, and its newest addition, San Diego FC, contributed a $500 million expansion fee.
Beyond continuously increasing expansion costs, owner-operators within MLS's single-entity framework have invested heavily in stadiums, training facilities and other top-tier soccer infrastructure, making potential relegation an unappealing prospect.
Promotion and Relegation Coming to U.S. Soccer
Although MLS hasn't committed to introducing promotion and relegation, the system will enter American soccer soon, with USL announcing plans to launch a Division I league in 2027–28 featuring a pro-rel structure.
USL's ambitions, however, face obstacles from an ongoing labor conflict between USL Championship ownership and players, with the USLPA pushing for elevated professional standards across the league's 24 clubs, all currently designated as Division II within U.S. Soccer.
If MLS eventually reaches that milestone, Garber won't be serving as Commissioner. The New York native has guided the league since 1999 and agreed in 2024 to continue through 2027, before MLS implements its new schedule in 2027–28.
"Currently I'm concentrating on the upcoming years, and I'll consider that and discuss it with MLS ownership when the time is appropriate," he explained.
"I wasn't considering my previous contract extension with the calendar modification in mind because we had no knowledge then that we'd pursue it. But we'll work it out."