Summary of Garber's comments about Tampa Bay pro soccer (Reminder: NFL, MLS represented at USF lecture series):

This is good ammunition to throw at the silly fan boys repeating the FUD that "Tampa Bay Rowdies can't get into MLS because Orlando City has territorial rights".

It also is more evidence that Miami Beckham United isn't happening; at least not in Miami nor in South Florida: no news, no stadium, no billionaire investor. And now, no positive mention from Garber in a context that would demand it if something were really happening.

Tampa Bay Rowdies could take Miami's place as MLS team number 24, or could be MLS team number 25-28, if Bill Edwards plays his cards right, presumably with additional investors, and a solid SSS plan for the Al Lang site. David Beckham and his partners (Simon Fuller, Tim Leiweke, etc.) could be part of that Tampa Bay Rowdies MLS ownership group, as I have suggested in my open letters, but who knows what will ultimately happen.

Garber recognizes the importance of local and regional rivalries in helping to grow MLS. This makes Orlando City being in MLS a big plus for the chances of getting the Tampa Bay Rowdies into MLS, not a minus, as many people assume.

Also of note is that yes indeed, the Tampa Bay area is now the biggest market not in MLS (11th TV market as of January 1st this year, ahead of Phoenix and Detroit). Why wouldn't Garber want the biggest TV market not yet in MLS, to get into MLS? National TV footprint is important for future MLS growth.

Links to comments in Facebook groups below (I presume I do not need permission for this as this is just a summary of what happened at a public lecture); this being from Facebook groups it may not be accessible to everyone. Anyway, summary from an attendee is below.

1. Garber said that MLS recognizes that the Tampa Bay region is the largest market without a team in MLS, in the country.

2. Markets with two teams are incredibly successful. Garber pointed to LA and NYC; he was implying that Tampa and Orlando are so close that it would encourage an intense rivalry.

3. Garber was skeptical of Miami making it happen (Garber DID NOT mention Beckham). 

4. MLS will probably not grow beyond 28 teams in the foreseeable future.

5. Garber implied that Orlando City ownership group would not stop MLS from expanding to Tampa Bay.

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Link below to original story about lecture at USF:

Reminder: NFL, MLS represented at USF lecture series
 
http://supportyourlocalfootballclub.blogspot.com/2016/10/reminder-nfl-mls-represented-at-usf.html

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Comments below from someone who was at the lecture, summarizing Garber's comments; copy and pasted verbatim (leave = league):

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Summary of Garber's comments about Tampa Bay pro soccer (Reminder: NFL, MLS represented at USF lecture series):

https://www.facebook.com/groups/802920053077146/1103146116387870/?ref=notif&notif_t=group_activity&notif_id=1477423054360822

Just came from the interview with Commissioner Garber University of South Florida and here are the most salient point ref. Tampa Bay Pro soccer:

1. MLS recognizes the Tampa Bay region is the largest market without a team, in the country

2. Markets with two teams are incredibly successful (pointed to LA and NY... he was implying Tampa and Orlando are so close it would encourage an intense rivalry)

3. He was still skeptical of Miami making it happen (he DID NOT mention Beckham)

4. Leave will probably not grow beyond 28 teams in the foreseeable future.

5. He implied Orlando ownership group would not stop MLS from expanding to Tampa Bay.

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https://www.facebook.com/groups/tampabaysoccer/1224731060926253/?notif_t=group_activity&notif_id=1477530490607455

Ok, most salient point ref. Tampa soccer, other than the fact everyone I mentioned and more were in attendance (I will update the list of awesome above):

1. MLS recognizes the Tampa Bay region is the largest market without a team, in the country

2. Markets with two teams are incredibly successful (pointed to LA and NY... he was implying Tampa and Orlando are so close it would encourage an intense rivalry)

3. He was still skeptical of Miami making it happen (he DID NOT mention Beckham)

4. Leave will probably not grow beyond 28 teams in the foreseeable future.

5. He implied Orlando ownership group would not stop MLS from expanding to Tampa Bay.

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 https://www.facebook.com/MLStoTampaBay/posts/957111854394130?pnref=story

Just attended the Don Garber interview from the Sport & Entertainment MBA Lecture series University of South Florida and here are the most salient bits for the audience of this group:

Ok, most salient point ref. Tampa soccer, other than the fact everyone I mentioned and more were in attendance (I will update the list of awesome above):

1. MLS recognizes the Tampa Bay region is the largest market without a team, in the country

2. Markets with two teams are incredibly successful (pointed to LA and NY... he was implying Tampa and Orlando are so close it would encourage an intense rivalry)

3. He was still skeptical of Miami making it happen (he DID NOT mention Beckham)

4. Leave will probably not grow beyond 28 teams in the foreseeable future.

5. He implied Orlando ownership group would not stop MLS from expanding to Tampa Bay.