March 13, 2007
MIAMI (TICKER) -- The MLS and the German Bundesliga announced a landmark partnership that will have the American soccer league share a number of aspects with one of the sport's top circuits, including player development.
The announcement was made Tuesday at the SPORTELAmerica Convention by MLS commissioner Don Garber and Bundesliga CEO Christian Seifert. Both sides say there is something to learn from the other.
"We have a tremendous amount we can learn from our colleagues at the Bundesliga," MLS deputy commissioner Ivan Gazidis said. "We're very excited about it."
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Seifert said the MLS and its salary cap could serve as a tool for the Bundesliga, which has the increasing player costs being felt by most European leagues.
"We view this (as) a partnership," he said. "We want to support the growth of soccer in the United States on a long-term basis."
The leagues also will exchange ideas on stadium construction and collaborate on licensing, new media and officiating.
The partnership was the idea of German legend Franz Beckenbauer, who has close ties to the Austrian owners of the New York Red Bulls of MLS.
"We initiated discussions with Major League Soccer because of the impressive progress it has made since its inception in 1996," Seifert said.
Under the agreement, the leagues could organize preseason tournaments. There is no provision for player exchange between the countries.
"This relationship marks an important step forward for Major League Soccer," Garber said. "We are all aware that this age of globalization means new challenges for soccer, the most global sport."
The deal is the latest in a number of steps taken by MLS to expand their international horizons.
The Colorado Rapids have announced a partnership with British Premiership club Arsenal and are in England this week. The biggest impact will come this summer, when international soccer superstar David Beckham moves from Real Madrid to the Los Angeles Galaxy.
"One player will not change the world," Seifert said. "It's a step in the right direction. Beckham is not a guy at the end of his career. Most of all, he's a great soccer player. He will increase the value of the team."