MLS commissioner Garber talks Canada at the Whitecaps Season Launch

MLS commissioner Don Garber attended the Vancouver Whitecaps season launch party on Monday. While in Vancouver, Garber shared some thoughts on the growth of the league in Canada.

First, the good news. In less than a year, we get the Vancouver Whitecaps‘ 2018 kit launch.

The Whitecaps held a season launch party on Monday. Fans in attendances were treated to the reveal of the 2017 kit. Dubbed the ‘Rain Jersey’, the new jersey is covered in blue triangles to represent the rain that is so common in Vancouver. According to the detailed explanation provided on the Whitecaps website, they wanted to “embrace the rain” which “unites us”, because “we don’t hide inside”.

One problem: the Whitecaps are the only MLS team that puts a roof over their field every time it rains.

Anyway, it’s probably best to reserve judgement on the new kit until it sees action on the field. And there was plenty else for the fans at the launch party. The Whitecaps provided a town hall-style Q&A session with coach Carl Robinson, club president Bob Lenarduzzi, owners Steve Nash and Jeff Mallett, and MLS commissioner Don Garber.

Garber had some interesting statements to make, both at the town hall and to the media during his visit to Vancouver. A look at the comments that are most relevant to the future of the game in Canada.

A Canadian DP

Garber admitted that the league had shown favoritism in the past when it came to subsidizing Designated Player (DP) signings, which will come as no surprise. David Beckham’s signing by the LA Galaxy is the obvious example.

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Those days are now in the past; for American teams, that is. Garber indicated that MLS would be willing to subsidize a Canadian DP signing for one of the Canadian teams.

This strategy did well in expanding the profile of teams like LA, as well as the New York Red Bulls, in the early days of the league. So it’s no surprise Garber is looking at applying the same thinking north of the border.

The obvious question is who? Canadian international Atiba Hutchinson is an obvious candidate. At 34 years of age, Hutchinson would likely be open to a move back to Canada from Turkey. The veteran midfielder spoke highly of the atmosphere at BC Place during World Cup qualifiers played there. The Whitecaps have a gap in central midfield and an absence of established leaders on the field. Hutchinson could address both of those needs.

Other names on the list of potential Canadian DPs include Burnley’s Scott Arfield, previously linked with the Whitecaps, and Cardiff City’s Junior Hoilett.

A Canadian Commercial Strategy

On the heels of the first all-Canadian conference final and the first Canadian MLS Cup finalist last season, the timing is perfect to push the league in Canada. An estimated 4.2 million Canadians watched some part of the MLS cup final between Toronto FC and Seattle Sounders.

Garber wants to grow those ratings.

"“We’re working with our clubs to come up with a Canadian commercial strategy where we can get behind some of the big events that we have that have created points of interest for us down in the States,” he said at the media event, as quoted by Sportsnet."

What these big events will be remains to be seen.

Still No Domestic Status

The North American Soccer League (NASL) recently announced that Canadian players would be considered domestic on all teams in both the U.S. and Canada. That decision brought the NASL in line with the United Soccer League (USL).

But MLS still refuses to treat Canadians on American teams as domestic players, and Garber was not willing to be swayed. He reiterated on Monday that treating Canadians as domestic players on U.S. teams would break labor laws. The NASL and USL obviously see things differently.

MLS recently allowed Canadians to count as domestic players in the U.S. if they meet certain limited criteria. Canadian Soccer Agency head and CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani has also campaigned heavily for the status of Canadian players in the league. So there are positive signs on this front despite what Garber says.

Related Story: Changes are Coming to the Domestic Status of Canadians in MLS

The Canadian Premier League is widely expected to start action next year. With increased competition, MLS will have to step up its game to maintain its foothold in constantly growing Canadian soccer market. With a joint bid to host the 2026 World Cup also on the table, these are exciting times for Canadian soccer fans.

Who should be the first Canadian DP signing? Give us your thoughts below.