Bundesliga-MLS Announcement

MLS and Bundesliga are, like, so BFF. The heads of the top league in Germany met with the heads of the top league in the USA in Miami today to announce a new partnership between the two. They will work together to share experience, expertise and best practices.

According to an MLS press release: "Some of the areas being focused on include player development, stadium design, marketing strategies, broadcasting logistics, competition rules and officiating services."

Said Christian Seifert, the Bundesliga CEO, "We look forward to learning from MLS, an exemplary organization and a modern league with an eye on the future. Likewise, we are proud to contribute to the continued rise of soccer in the United States."

My take: Sure, this is another step forward for MLS. But as a fan, I was hoping for something more, maybe a Super Liga-style tournament with German clubs, at the least. Having said that, I know the partnership will pay off in behind-the-scenes operations of the league and only move us forward.

MLS & Bundesliga Announcement On Tap

Top MLS and Bundesliga officials have called a press conference for tomorrow afternoon in Miami, Florida. Commission Don Garber and Deputy Commissioner Ivan Gazidis will join Bundesliga CEO Christian Seifert and Vice President Tom Bender for an "international soccer announcement" at 1 p.m. EST.

The press conference will be held in conjunction with the Miami SPORTEL America event - it is the premier venue for sports programming content to be showcased to networks worldwide.

Could the announcement have something to do with MLS TV rights in Germany? Possibly, but more likely it will be a tournament held between the two leagues, similar to the upcoming Super Liga, to help German teams cash in on the American market, and vice-versa.

Conrad Stays At Home

After several European teams inquired about his services, Kansas City Wizards defender Jimmy Conrad has agreed to a four-year deal to stay in the MLS. "He's excited about the new direction in Kansas City," said agent Lyle Yorks. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
Last month, the MLS rejected a transfer offer of $550,000 from Norwegian team Lillestrom FC and several Budesliga clubs also had interest in the 30-year-old, according to Yorks. "Over in Europe, with any club, every game matters. Being able to play in those circumstances would be just different than what it is here... It's just a matter of time before MLS can get there," Conrad said.

On the new ownership in Kansas City, Conrad said: "Everything they said they were going to do, they've done... I think we have a good team and I think we're going to do some damage this year."

Conrad has also found success with the U.S. Men's National Team - he scored the first goal in the 2-0 victory over Mexico in February and also saw time in two games in the 2006 World Cup.