Major League Soccer is thriving and there is more excitement within the league than ever ahead of the 2023 season starting on February 25, but it wasn't always that way.
In 1996, MLS was formed as soccer fever flooded the United States after they hosted the 1994 World Cup, but it struggled in its formative years and very nearly folded as a result. It's now 2023, MLS has recently signed a 10-year deal with Apple TV, and it remains the fastest-growing soccer league in the world.
Former Houston Dynamo president Chris Canetti was involved with MLS for 18 seasons and saw it rise from the ashes into what it has become today. There are many reasons why it's become a huge success, but David Beckham's transfer to LA Galaxy in 2007 will forever be considered the 'defining moment in MLS history' according to Canetti.
After working as assistant general manager for the New York Red Bulls between 2000-2006, Canetti became president of Houston Dynamo and held his post for over 12 years. Canetti has seen the league go from rags to riches, but he's credited Beckham with changing everything for MLS.
"I don't think there could have been a bigger announcement at the time, in an effort to take this league in a new direction," Canetti exclusively told Mirror Football. "He (Beckham) of course wasn't just a great footballer but his popularity expanded outside soccer and into pop culture, and everybody knew him.
"It was a significant signing and it brought a lot of interest and attention to our league both domestically and internationally, I think it opened the door for other players to follow him behind. It changed the rules for how we looked at things in terms of player signings.
"When the history books are written about Major League Soccer, Beckham's arrival in 2007 as a player for the LA Galaxy will be seen as the defining moment for sure. It took the league into its next phase, and well beyond."
The league is now blossoming, and after Los Angeles FC became the first MLS side to be valued at $1billion, they're starting to compete economically with the top European leagues. But way back in 2000 when Canetti joined MLS, he was worried that the league may not last at all.
"When I joined in 2000 it's well known that the league was teetering on not lasting," Canetti added. "It was going to potentially fall to the wayside like other soccer leagues have done in this country.
"It made its through difficult periods in the early years, and it's really grown into becoming, in my opinion, one of the best soccer leagues in the world. We still have a long way to go, but the potential is still great and we are going to continue to grow and get better.
"To see the expansion of teams, and the development of stadiums and training grounds, the investment by owners and the portfolio of owners that have come in along with the fan support. You could even point to the new media rights with Apple, the success of the Seattle Sounders going to the Club World Cup, the league just gets better.
"It's becoming a more relevant brand in the very crowded American sports scene. It's so exciting to watch, and great to be a part of."
But Canetti doesn't feel like MLS has got close to hitting their ceiling just yet, and even believes that in the near future they can compete with the biggest leagues, and draw top players to their shores. We are starting to see less high-profile players look to end their career in Canada and the United States, as the league continue to increase in quality.
"Yeah I think there are a lot of things that will draw players who are in the peak of their career to the United States," Canetti said. "The money seems to be getting up there now and that's the most important thing to most of these players.
"The owners are willing to make those investments now and the lifestyle over here is excellent too. I know a lot of people look at the quality of life and what they can do off the pitch as well as what they can earn on it.
"The quality of football has become very good and I think a lot of foreigners are surprised by the quality. There may still be some preconceived notions about things like that, but when they get here they realise it's a tough league to play in, and they better be serious or else it's going to be a challenge for them now."
