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August 2 – Don Garber has signed a four-year contract that could be worth up to $12 million (£7.5 million) as Major League Soccer Commissioner until 2014, it has been announced.
The extension was contingent on the signing on the new five-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the players, which was finally accomplished in June, prior to World Cup South Africa.
His new deal includes several incentives and bonuses which could make it worth $3 million (£1.8 million) a year.
His previous four-year contract was reportedly valued at $2 million (£1.2 million) per year.
Garber first signed with the League in 1999 after 16 years in the NFL.
Garber has been instrumental in the creation of Soccer United Marketing (SUM), development of soccer specific stadiums, the designated player rule, the 2010 CBA, and expansion, which has attracted nine new owners in six years.
Over the next four years, MLS owners expect Garber to improve the League’s television ratings, develop the league’s new media business and develop the league’s quality of play.
Tim Leiweke, the chief executive of AEG, the owners of David Beckham’s Los Angeles Galaxy, is confident Garber will achieve those goals.
He said: ”Don’s done a phenomenal job and we’re really proud of him.
“The momentum he’s created here is phenomenal.
“We want to keep this going and I can’t imagine anyone leading the charge but Don Garber.”
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