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.
American officials expressed disappointment Monday after learning that bobsled, skeleton and luge events will not be held in Italy during the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, a move that means athletes from those sports will likely be competing in either Austria or Switzerland during the games.
A memo sent ahead of the new season said that on-ice uniforms and gear for games, warmups and official team practices cannot be altered to reflect theme nights, which include Pride.