Assets: MLS Hosts "The Next Chapter" Event in New York City Featuring Commissioner Don Garber and Global Soccer Stars

Soundbites now available from Commissioner Don Garber, Orlando City SC's Antoine Griezmann, and other featured speakers

NEW YORK (Thursday, July 16, 2026) – Major League Soccer today hosted "The Next Chapter" in New York City, bringing together Commissioner Don Garber and global soccer leaders and stars to discuss the league's exciting future as MLS prepares to resume play July 16-17 ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. The event featured Commissioner Garber, Orlando City SC forward Antoine Griezmann, Concacaf President Victor Montagliani, Charlotte FC defender Tim Ream, Red Bull New York head coach Michael Bradley, New York City FC CEO Brad Sims, and New York City FC defender Kevin O’Toole.

Soundbites from each session, mixed-zone interviews, and rights-free photos are available below. Antoine Griezmann’s Times Square takeover photos will be available HERE later this evening.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber Delivers a Fireside Chat on the League’s Momentum

• Commissioner Garber reflects on MLS' growth ahead of the league's restart, here.
• Commissioner Garber on how MLS can capitalize on the growth of the World Cup, here.
• Commissioner Garber on the impact of Lionel Messi and David Beckham on the growth of MLS, here.
• Commissioner Garber on how MLS is driving player development in North America and globally, here.
• Commissioner Garber illustrates how the rest of the world has taken notice of MLS and how the league is investing in young players, here.
• Commissioner Garber highlights the successes of MLS’ player pathway, here.
• Commissioner Garber soundbites in the mixed zone can be found here.

President of Concacaf Victor Montagliani Shares How FIFA World Cup 2026 and MLS Are Pushing the Sport Forward in North America

• Montagliani discusses what the legacy will be of FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America, here.
• Montagliani shares how players are choosing to make MLS their league of choice, here.
• Montagliani on how MLS is continuing to push the sport forward in North America, here.
• Montagliani on what it meant to see Canada host a World Cup and how MLS has helped grow the sport in the country, here.

Orlando City SC Forward Antoine Griezmann Discusses Why He Chose to Play in MLS

• (In Spanish) Griezmann on the evolution of MLS and sport in North America, here.
• (In Spanish) Griezmann talks about playing against LIGA MX teams in Leagues Cup, here.
• (In Spanish) Griezmann shares his thoughts on the World Cup final and former teammates in the match, here.
• The full panel with Antoine Griezmann can be found, here.

Charlotte FC Defender and U.S. Men’s National Team Captain Tim Ream Previews the Next Generation of Soccer in North America

• Ream shares what he would tell young players who have a dream to play at the highest levels of soccer, here.
• Ream on noticing the rapid growth of MLS academies while playing overseas, here.
• Ream on how young players can break through to the highest levels in their careers, here.
• Soundbites from Ream in the mixed zone can be found here.

Red Bull New York Head Coach Michael Bradley Details the Growth of MLS’ Player Pathway

• Bradley on how he has seen MLS grow from his time as a player to now as a coach, here.
• Bradley reflects on the new facilities in MLS, including RWJBarnabas Health Red Bulls Performance Center, here.
• Bradley on his belief that MLS can reach the highest level, here.
• Soundbites from Bradley in the mixed zone can be found here.

New York City FC CEO Brad Sims Unveils the Date of the Inaugural Match at Etihad Park

• Sims unveils the date of the inaugural match at Etihad Park, here.
• Sims on seeing the Etihad Park stadium project come to fruition after years of work, here.
• Sims shares the ambitious vision for New York City FC with Etihad Park opening next year, here.

New York City FC Defender Kevin O’Toole Shares His Emotions on Being a Part of History at Etihad Park

• O’Toole on what it will mean to be a part of the club when Etihad Park opens, here.
• O’Toole on his first impressions of Etihad Park, here.
• O’Toole discusses how Etihad Park will amplify New York City FC’s supporter culture, here.
• Soundbites from O’Toole in the mixed zone can be found here.

Photo Assets from “The Next Chapter” Media Event

**CLICK HERE** for select photos from “The Next Chapter” Media Event. Please credit "Vanja Savic – MLS Communications”.

About Major League Soccer

Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer -- celebrating its 31st season in 2026 -- features 30 clubs throughout the United States and Canada. All MLS and Leagues Cup matches can be watched on the Apple TV app on Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, set-top boxes, and game consoles, and the web at tv.apple.com, and features the most expansive and accessible lineup of programming ever for MLS fans. For more information about MLS, visit mlssoccer.com. For more information about the Apple TV app, visit apple.com/apple-tv-app.