In the absence of paying customers, Major League Soccer promised to enhance its broadcast product during the MLS is Back Tournament, that kicked off on a practice field in Orlando on Wednesday night.
There was talk of more cameras. More microphones. More bells and whistles. What the league didn’t say is that they would superimpose a mammoth Adidas logo across the center of the field for its nationally-televised reopening match between Orlando City and expansion side Inter Miami.
For those watching at home, the look was jarring. FIFA rules prohibit team branding or advertising of any sort to be painted on the playing surface.