MLS Commissioner hosts Supporters Summit.

MLS Cup 2010 has already provided supporters' a unique look into what the future holds for Major League Soccer, and the Cup match has yet to be played. Yet, more is still to come as the Commissioner is set to make additional announcements at half-time this evening concerning changes to the playoff format for 2011 and beyond.



This afternoon, Garber hosted the Supporters' Summit in Toronto to address the concerns of fans and provide instant feedback on the most talked about issues supporters have with the league. Most notably discussed was Chicago Fire's Presidential fan, the length of the 2011 season, public disclosure of information, the reinstated reserve division and a Canadian first division.


When FIFA president, Sepp Blatter, visited President Obama, Blatter questioned his soccer knowledge. Obama admitted he is a fan of his hometown team, Chicago Fire. Interestingly enough, it does not appear Obama has even been to a match and has even managed to avoid the Fire when they visited the White House. Go ahead, Google it.

Garber continued on to mention that the 2011 season will be 32 weeks long, despite each team playing 34 matches. I would like to see how the season schedule will look, including the all-star match, other breaks and Cup matches. It is going to be a tough regular season for many players with the short period of time and number of matches to be played. The Commissioner admits it is the shortest season amongst the professional leagues, and there are plans to consider other options in the near future.

Briefly discussed was the lack of availability of information for fans regarding salary caps and where the clubs' funds are going. The MLS Players Union does provide salary information for players nearly half way through the season, but fans want more. Since it is really the league, which owns the MLS players, It is the responsibility of the MLS and the clubs to keep supporters informed and satisfied that revenue is going to the right place.

In 2011, Major League Soccer will reinstate its own version of the NBA's D-League with the Reserve League. With the announcement of expanding roster sizes, the Reserve League will provide essentially practice players with an opportunity to keep their match form and put on display reasons for them to be on the pitch with the first team.

2012 will grow the number of MLS teams based across the border in Canada to 3. Montreal will join Toronto and Vancouver as the 19th expansion team as the league continues to expand. During today's Supporters' Summit, however, Garber made reference to a potential Canadian first division. It appears that the MLS is allowing Canada to cement its support for soccer in North America. On many occasions, the Commissioner presented the possibility of the league expanding well beyond 20 clubs as the United States' and Canada's size easily permits this. Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal's short stay may be limited in the MLS.

The most interesting figures tonight will be the viewer ratings for the MLS Cup. It is competing with Sunday Night Football and new episodes of television series. I wonder how many Dallas and Colorado fans made the trek to Canada for potentially their club's first championship. The match will be aired on ESPN at 8:30pm.