MLS commissioner Don Garber optimistic about CF Montreal’s future

MLS commissioner Don Garber arrives at the FIFA Club World Cup trophy tour on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, in New York. (Pamela Smith/AP Photo)

MONTREAL — Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber said he’s optimistic about CF Montréal’s future in the league, but certain conditions will need to be met for that to happen.

As MLS prepares to shift to a winter calendar in 2027, Garber visited Montreal to see the ongoing renovations to Olympic Stadium’s roof.

The venue could become CF Montréal’s permanent home, instead of Stade Saputo, in the coming seasons. At least, that’s what the commissioner hopes.

Garber held a press conference after his visit on Thursday and described the ongoing renovations as “remarkable,” but cautioned that the stadium would still need a full overhaul to ensure the long-term viability of Montreal’s MLS team.

The roof is expected to be completed in the near future, but opinions are more divided about further renovations.

Garber spoke of a $500-million project to modernize the stadium, but no one has yet committed to funding that amount.

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“My understanding is that the stadium reached out to the club and said ‘Be a part of our dream, be a part of our vision. Be our primary tenant,’” Garber said. “‘We’re going to put up a new roof.’ And I saw it there. And if you haven’t been there ... that was one of the coolest stadium visits I’ve ever had.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 4, 2026.

Simon Servant, The Canadian Press