Major League Soccer getting close to a licensing deal

If there’s a licensing deal that might have the most upside for operators, it’s probably Major League Soccer (MLS). Lucky for them, MLS looks like it’s more than ready to jump into the sports betting industry and sign a deal, ESPN reports.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber sees sports betting as a way of building up the brand. It would drive engagement, attract a larger audience, and bringing in more revenue for the league. He reportedly said:

“If people are going to do it, you might as well manage it, organize it. You might as well generate tax revenue for it and find ways that the league could use it as a marketing tool to have people engage more with our players and our clubs.”

Commenting on the possibility of a league stadium getting a naming rights deal with a gambling operator, Garber spilled the beans. “If there’s a possibility with a gaming company naming one of our stadiums, I’m all for it,” he said. “We’re in the process of getting close to a major league-wide sponsorship with a respected gaming company, and I’m very supportive of that as have the other leagues.”