James Ruth, senior director for Major League Soccer, and Mike LaBelle, the New York Red Bulls' first official Esports athlete, discuss the new EMLS Cup. The EMLS Cup is in partnership with FIFA 18 and kicks off April 5th.
LaBelle explains he never thought he'd be a member of an MLS team, and definitely not as an Esports athlete. LaBelle says his parents told him he was wasting his time playing video games.
Ruth says MLS has been working on this idea for a long time. 65% of MLS fans say FIFA helped grow their interest in the sport.
At least four teams — the Arizona Diamondbacks, Texas Rangers, Minnesota Twins, and Milwaukee Brewers — have extended alcohol sales through the eighth inning this season.