Alexei Lalas believes Los Angeles Galaxy's signing of David Beckham is a 'watershed' moment for football in the United States.
Beckham has signed a lucrative deal to move to Major League Soccer when his Real Madrid contract expires in the summer.
He will become the league's most high-profile, and highest-paid, player, with Galaxy president Lalas hailing the coup.
"We're so excited about it," said Lalas on Sky Sports News. "It's a wonderful opportunity for us and it's a wonderful, watershed moment for Los Angeles Galaxy, for Major League Soccer and for soccer in the United States.
"We look forward to having him here in Los Angeles playing in the Home Depot Center.
"It's just a great day for our organisation."
Lalas is aware of the impact Beckham's signing will have on the club's merchandising arm, but also hopes the former England captain will have a positive influence on the pitch.
He added: "We want to be viewed, not just as the premier soccer club in the United States, but one of the premier clubs in the world.
"We believe this is part of it. You have to bring in quality players and, first and foremost in this decision, is David Beckham going to help us on the soccer field?
"We believe he is. He is a player in the prime of his career, he has played for two of the greatest clubs in the world, at a high level, for a long time.
"We wouldn't have done this deal if we didn't feel he was going to come in, individually and collectively, to help our team.
"The business part of this is evident, to many it's obvious, but my complete and utter focus is to make sure we have a quality team to surround him with when he comes in."