MLS commissioner Don Garber will be joining ESPN’s SportsCenter: The Return to Sports on Monday for a special episode to discuss the return to competition for six of the country’s top American sports leagues.
The episode, hosted by ESPN’s Mike Greenberg, will air at 9 pm ET on ESPN, and see the commissioners from each of those six leagues field questions on their approach to return. Gary Bettman (NHL), Cathy Engelbert (WNBA), Roger Goodell (NFL), Rob Manfred (MLB) and Adam Silver (NBA) will be joining Garber on the panel.
According to a release from ESPN, the topics of discussion will include the health and safety of players and workers, the economic impact and plans going forward, games without fans and potential broadcast innovations, the consequences and legacy of “asterisk seasons,” and the potential long-term impact of COVID-19.
The special will also discuss social justice reform efforts among leagues, teams and players that have come to the forefront following the death of George Floyd and with worldwide demonstrations calling for justice, equality and the condemnation of racism.
Philadelphia Union midfielder Alejandro Bedoya will also be joining the show to discuss MLS’s return to play from the players’ perspective, as will ESPN soccer analyst Taylor Twellman.
ABC News Chief Medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ahston, Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Calais Campbell, Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard, Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane, Phoenix Mercury forward Brianna Turner, Los Angeles Angels manager Joe Maddon and ESPN commentator and WNBA player Chiney Ogwumike are other prominent voices expected to be featured.
