Minutes from the Committee Meeting

July 24, 2026 — Committee Meeting # 48

Agenda Items 📋:

• MLS is back, but the biggest story is in the boardroom. Don Garber approaches retirement after nearly 30 years, and MLS are down to two candidates.
• The reported final candidates both have connections to MLS ownership. One, Larry Berg, is Co-Managing Owner of LAFC, while David Nathanson is on the Executive Committee and is an owner of Seattle Sounders.
• For whomever takes over, the expectations will be sky high. The USMNT racked up successive records for viewership of the most watched soccer game in the nation’s history, and the final became the most watched non-Super Bowl sporting event of all time.
• At the club level, the front office drama is percolating in Miami, as MLS issued a statement noting that they’ve launched an inquiry into potential tampering charges in Miami’s pursuit of Brazilian star Casemiro.
• NWSL continues apace as well, and featured a landmark announcement this summer, as Gotham FC confirmed their plans to play in Queens at New York City FC’s future stadium, Etihad Park.
• Gotham FC has been a highlight of NWSL’s return, winning four of five matches, including the NWSL Challenge Cup and the “Queen City Classic,” a match in Queens that featured Mayor Mamdani announcing a city-supported block of $15 tickets.
• USL continued throughout the World Cup, but also announced significant news from the boardroom, a new CBA for the Super League that includes player rights to approve transfers.

Story of the Week:

MLS may have returned into the middle of the season, but the extended break has created a sort of summer “silly season.” Let’s get you caught up on the big moves:

The Big Stars:

• FC Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski joined Chicago Fire, becoming perhaps the club’s most significant player in history. 
• French legend Antoine Griezmann debuted for Orlando City, scored a goal, and led the squad in a stunning 4-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes on the road.
• Casemiro joins Inter Miami and the star-studded squad. As mentioned above, however, Miami may face penalties based on their maneuvering to get it done.

The Designated Players:

• Brais Mendez, a creative midfielder from Real Sociedad, becomes the Columbus Crew’s new creative fulcrum.
• New York City FC get a new attacking piece in Benie Traore, a dynamic forward from FC Basel.
• San Diego FC finally have their Chucky Lozano replacement, Tunisian international Elias Achouri.
• Carlo Holse is added to St. Louis’s attacking line beside Marcel Hartel, introducing the chance creator St. Louis has sought all season.

The Departures:

• MLS MVP candidate and USMNT midfielder Seb Berhalter is departing for Middlesbrough for $2m, according to Tom Bogert.
• Chicago Fire had to make room for Robert Lewandowski…so out goes Hugo Cuypers, MLS Golden Boot leader, to Monterrey.
• Joining Cuypers at Monterrey is star Columbus Crew attacker Diego Rossi.

Matches to Watch:

Philadelphia Union vs. Seattle Sounders, MLS (July 25th, 7:30 PM ET, Apple TV): The Union won only their second match on Wednesday, but man was it thrilling! Under new manager Ryan Richter, 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan was the star on the pitch, and was rejoined by his brother Quinn Sullivan. 18-year-old 6’7 centerback Neil Pierre rounded out the young stars of Philly, and added a goal to his efforts. Seattle, meanwhile, has lost two in a row, and need to rebound this weekend.

Portland Thorns vs. Gotham FC, NWSL (July 24th, 10:00 PM ET, Prime): A battle at the top of the table, as the red hot Gotham FC travel to one of NWSL’s home fortresses, Portland. Portland have slipped from first to fourth coming out of the World Cup break, but can galvanizing the squad by stymying Ester Gonzalez, Rose Lavelle, and the current co-leaders of the league.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. Charleston Battery, USL Championship (July 25th, 9:00 PM ET, CBS Golazo Network): Led by U.S. U20 striker Colton Swan (nine goal contributions), Charleston Battery sit second in the Eastern Conference. They’ll travel to Colorado Springs to face the fourth place Switchbacks, who have won four of their last five matches.

Soccerwise's Post-World Cup Plans!

Kickback Soccer Media announced its expanded slate following the 2026 World Cup. Now, every workday, you can tune in and listen to a brand new Soccerwise show, now including our one-of-a-kind weekly U.S. Soccer show, and our Friday interview special!

Action Items, Kickback:

• Soccerwise: Gass, Bogert, Angeli, and Doyle are back with all your MLS and NWSL reviews and previews, and tune in next week for our debut U.S. Soccerwise and Soccerwise: Open Mic shows! Make sure you also listen to Soccerwise with David Gass, Tom Bogert, Matt Doyle, and Jordan Angeli now on SiriusXM, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9 p.m. on SiriusXM FC 157, and on the SiriusXM App!
• First Touch: Stay tuned for updates on our new slate of shows covering the global game through an American lens!