MLS commissioner Don Garber claimed that Saudi Pro League’s spending wouldn’t expose the USA League’s growth into new markets.
MLS commissioner Don Garber on the recent moves out of Saudi Arabia:
“I’ve seen it happen with China and I wasn’t concerned any more than I’m concerned about [Saudi Arabia]. It’s quite the opposite.. [it’s] an opportunity to think that it’s not just about Europe.” pic.twitter.com/PLO9liEn9b
— MLS Buzz (@MLS_Buzz) July 17, 2023
“You know, it’s not just about Europe, right? It’s about here. But that didn’t concern me at all,” the commissioner told the media Sunday night during a ceremony to present Leo Messi as the newest player for Inter Miami CF.
“I’ve seen what happen in China, and I think that the same thing will happen in Saudi Arabia; it’s quite the same.”
Cristiano Ronaldo, which many MLS teams tried to bring to the USA, chose to continue his career in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr as other football stars followed after that. The most notable names are Golden Ball winner Karim Benzema and Roberto Firmino.
The main focus of the Saudi Pro League is to be among the top 10 football championships in the world by 2030 in terms of revenue.