THis debate over promotion and relegation is gaining momentum again in MLS, but the response from the top of the league has been direct and candid.
Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber has ruled out implementing this system in the short term, making it clear that the stability and growth of U.S. Soccer remains a priority.
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Don Garber rules out promotion or relegation in MLS
The debate resurfaced after USMNT historic player Landon Donovan publicly questioned whether MLS owners were willing to move to a promotion/relegation model. Garber’s response left no room for interpretation. “No, why would they do that?”
For the commissioner, MLS should still be understood as a work in progress.
We’re still in the startup league after 30 years
Gerber compared his role to that of a CEO managing a high-risk investment, and revealed that MLS has no immediate plans to change its format as he believes introducing a relegation system is incompatible with the current state of the league.
The weight of economic factors in sports in MLS
Gerber defended his position on the central argument: investing. He explained that MLS needs “billions of dollars” to solidify its growth. Its investments are reflected in specific stadiums, training centers, youth academies, management structures and marketing campaigns.
Additionally, he highlighted the labor impact of the project. “We have 10,000 employees league-wide. We should be proud of that,” he said.
From this perspective, demotion would not only jeopardize the club, but the entire organization it has taken decades to build, something that Garber and the rest of the owners of American first-division clubs would certainly not want to accept.
MLS is not Europe
The commissioner also pointed out clear differences with the European model. He acknowledged the competitive appeal of promotion and relegation, particularly in the fight to avoid relegation, but noted that there are several additional economic incentives in Europe.
Garber pointed to recent progress by CONCACAF and the North American club’s growing international profile, but declined to definitively close the door.
We don’t know what the world will be like in 3, 5, 10, or 20 years. So why can we say absolutely not?
For now, MLS will maintain a closed model focused on expansion, financial stability, and the continued growth of U.S. Soccer. Promotion and relegation will continue to be a recurring theme, but MLS is unlikely to enter U.S. soccer, at least in the short term.
