MLS commissioner Don Garber said Friday he doesn't anticipate any significant changes to the league’s spending rules in the next couple of years, striking a less ambitious tone than he has previously in the Lionel Messi era.

Garber spoke about collecting and “leaning in” to consumer data. He mentioned Apple’s global reach, “high technology” broadcasts and “interactivity.” He mused about tweaks — or even a sea change — to the league’s “competitive format.” He touched on storytelling, on sponsorship growth, on digital engagement and a bunch of other buzzwords … but not so much on the one that, in theory, should be central to any soccer league’s plan: soccer players.