MLS Commissioner Don Garber, during a recent visit to Cincinnati for FC Cincinnati’s 10th anniversary celebration, reaffirmed the league’s commitment to host an All-Star Game in the city in the future. This statement came amidst discussions about the club’s journey and the growth of Major League Soccer.
Garber visited Cincinnati for the first time since FC Cincinnati clinched the Supporters’ Shield in 2023, where he spoke highly of the team’s achievements and its leadership, including co-CEO Jeff Berding, general manager Chris Albright, and head coach Pat Noonan. He noted how FC Cincinnati, despite being a smaller market, operates with the ambition and success of larger markets, highlighting their state-of-the-art TQL Stadium, which opened in 2021, and their passionate fan base.
While no official agreement is in place to secure the All-Star Game for Cincinnati yet, Garber expressed optimism about the timing and organization of the event, indicating confidence in the franchise’s trajectory and ongoing discussions. He stated, “It’s just a matter of when they want it and how to organize the timing of it, but we’ve committed to it from the very beginning.”
Looking ahead, the 2026 MLS All-Star Game is scheduled to take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, following the 2025 game in Austin, Texas. These expansions reflect the league’s growth since FC Cincinnati joined as its 26th team in 2018, a move that has since seen the league expand to 30 clubs.
In related news, Garber also highlighted the success and increasing popularity of the Leagues Cup tournament, which features teams from MLS and Liga MX and was expanded in 2023. Although FC Cincinnati did not advance in the latest round, the commissioner noted that viewer engagement and commercial revenue from the tournament are at an all-time high.
Overall, Garber’s remarks paint a bright picture for FC Cincinnati’s future in the league, suggesting that their ambition and accomplishments could eventually lead to hosting the coveted All-Star Game, a milestone that would further cement the club’s status in Major League Soccer.