MLS commissioner Don Garber understands that this year is the most important in MLS history, though he’s quick to add that the signing of David Beckham is far from the only reason. Of the league’s many significant offseason achievements, Garber highlights securing a national television rights deal, the 14,000 season-ticket sellout at Toronto FC’s new BMO Field, and the new stadium in Commerce City, Colo., which on Saturday hosted the first game of the year between the Colorado Rapids and D.C. United.
Still, nothing could match the publicity generated by the Becks media blast. As The Washington Post says, “The Los Angeles Galaxy’s acquisition of international icon David Beckham in January has made Freddy Adu’s gala introduction three years ago look like a minor midseason trade.”