Courtesy of Major League Soccer

Adam Silver, NBA

“Don has done a remarkable job of building MLS and expanding its presence. And the league has grown by leaps and bounds across North America, thanks in large part to Don’s deliberate and thoughtful approach to marketing the sport.”

Jessica Berman, NWSL

“Commissioner Garber has been incredibly helpful during my tenure as Commissioner of the NWSL. He was one of the first people I called when I got the job and he has offered his guidance and support every step of the way. Especially coming into this position from outside the soccer world, he knows this ecosystem as well as anyone and has sped up my onboarding immeasurably. There are very few people in the world who truly understand the role of Commissioner – Don has mastered it after serving in it for 25 years. I am fortunate to call him a mentor and a friend.”

Gary Bettman, NHL

“I marvel at what a good guy he is, how smart he is and what he’s done to raise the profile of not only MLS but soccer in the United States. He’s really taken MLS not only to a new level, but to a level that I don’t think anyone would have thought possible 25 years ago. You can’t do one of these jobs for 25 years if you’re not running at full speed, whether it’s visibility, media arrangements, events, ownership, expansion. He’s been able to traverse all the different platforms that every sports league touches to give soccer a much stronger presence.”

Cathy Engelbert, WNBA

“Congratulations to Don Garber on 25 remarkable years as MLS Commissioner. His vision and dedication have not only transformed the league, but also elevated the status of soccer in American sports.”

Roger Goodell, NFL

“Don brought the same energy and passion to his work in the NFL that helped him succeed in MLS. We congratulate him on everything he has accomplished over the past 25 years.”

Rob Manfred, Major League Baseball

“25 years is really impressive. He’s done a phenomenal job of growing the sport. He’s trying to grow a sport in the US where it wasn’t that big, and he has International, which is the more developed sport and a big competitor for him. It’s really the exact opposite of the other sports. His international (component) is not an opportunity, it’s a competition.

“He is also the group (of Big Five commissioners) most willing to share information.

“The Apple deal is really innovative and has already paid off for them in terms of Lionel Messi.”

Don Garber (center), Gary Bettman and Roger Goodell attend the Beyond Sport Summit at Yankee Stadium in New York on September 27, 2011.AP Images