MLS commissioner is not worried of Saudi Pro League development

MLS commissioner Don Garber says the growth of the Saudi Pro League poses no threat to the Major League Soccer.

MLS used to be the main league to attract famous players towards the end of their careers, but now the Saudi league, which is largely bankrolled by the government’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), has seen its profile rise considerably since Cristiano Ronaldo began playing for Al Nassr in January.

“I believe that emerging leagues in emerging markets, having energy and having investment and creating noise is a positive,” Garber told reporters ahead Wednesday’s MLS All-Star game in Washington.

More on this topic:

Chicago Fire to credit supporters if injured Messi can’t play

“For many years, we were that challenging league and we’re in a different spot than we were in the past. I don’t look at that as a threat in any way to Major League Soccer. I actually think it’s positive for the sport. I wish them well. I want to see the rest of the world being a big part of the soccer family – whether that’s in Saudi Arabia or whether it’s in Asia, whether it’s in the emerging professionalism of some of the leagues in South America.”.