MLS today is unveiling some of its celebratory plans for the league’s 25th anniversary this season. The campaign begins tomorrow with the new SuperDraft format. MLS Exec VP/Communications Dan Courtemanche explained that this season is as much about looking in the rearview mirror and celebrating the previous 24 seasons as it is about pointing toward the future. “If you look at the league when Seattle joined in 2009 to where we’re headed in 2020, it’s arguably not even the same league,” said Courtemanche, who added that over the next three years, six additional clubs will begin play, while at minimum, seven new stadiums will come on board. The league’s best days are still ahead, he said, with the '26 FIFA World Cup coming to the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Courtemanche believes the global event will be “one of the biggest sporting moments in North American history” and a way for the league to continue its momentum.
SEEN & HEARD: MLS in '20 is adopting a commemorative logo that all clubs can manipulate with their own color scheme and branding. This season’s match ball also will pay homage to the first year in '96. MLS' official U.S. sports drink sponsor, BodyArmor, will hold a kickoff event next Wednesday in conjunction with the league at LAFC’s Banc of California Stadium. On Feb. 5, MLS and long-standing league sponsor Adidas will release the '20 jerseys prior to Fashion Week in N.Y., as each club will have a celebratory fan sport the respective kits. EA Sports will drop the new jerseys into their FIFA 20 game, too. Additionally, in February, David Beckham will be featured in an hour-long documentary about his six-year stint with the Galaxy. The Inter Miami Owner also will play an integral role in promoting the league’s 25th year through various media commitments.
SCREEN TIME: To celebrate its diversity and Latin American influence, MLS and media partner TUDN are producing a three-part video series with archived content and interviews with influential figures. The league at the end of the season will highlight its top 25 players from its first quarter century, along with the greatest goal of all-time. A feature-length documentary encapsulating the past 25 years, complete with interviews of key stakeholders as they examine the origins of the league, its highs and lows and important moments, will debut in November as well. Box to Box Films and EVO Films will produce the feature.
