Don Garber was a popular executive at the Business of Soccer event, especially among speakers onstage. The longtime MLS commissioner has a deal running through 2027, but recent reports noted Garber has opened the door to the possibility that he may leave before his contract expires.
Arthur Blank, the Atlanta United owner who hosted the conference at his Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta, called Garber “my brother” during a 1-on-1 session. “Great friend, great human being,” said Blank.
Blank also was effusive in his praise for Garber regarding his impact on soccer in this country. “We’ve had some great commissioners in the National Football League — none have lasted as long as Commissioner Garber has and had the impact on the sport the way Don has,” Blank said. “From an ownership standpoint, from a governance standpoint, from a sporting standpoint, from a leadership standpoint. I mean, everything that’s happened in the world of soccer, Don has been an outstanding spokesperson and leader. … He’s been the godfather of soccer to me.”
FC Dallas owner Clark Hunt compared Garber’s leadership to that of Pete Rozelle at the NFL. “Don has served a similar role, and Major League Soccer would not be where it is today without him,” Hunt said.
Hunt reflected on some difficult times for the league at the turn of the century, when MLS had to fold some clubs. “I can definitively say that we would not have made it without Don’s leadership at that time,” Hunt said. “He got together with my dad [Lamar Hunt], Robert Kraft and Phil Anschutz, and really, the four of them kept the league together during this very, very difficult time and very quickly set it on a path toward growth.”
Sir Mohamed Mansour, the owner of San Diego FC, also called Garber a “friend” and noted the league has “grown under his leadership, under his guidance.”
“What haven’t you done?” said U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone. “You continue to shatter records, which I think everyone in this room already knows about. But what I think they may not know about is how instrumental you have been in the transformation at U.S. Soccer. You have supported me and guided me the entire way.”
“Of all the sports in North America, he’s pound for pound the best commissioner,” said Concacaf President Victor Montagliani. “A kid from Queens who probably didn’t know much about our sport when he was growing up. What he’s done for our sport is legendary and is incredible.”