The French international striker penned a multi-year contract with the Red Bulls today, ending months of speculation over a much-mooted transfer across the Atlantic from Barcelona.

Henry is the League's biggest signing since David Beckham's arrival at the LA Galaxy in 2007 and MLS is expecting a similar boon in interest and income.

"Thierry Henry is a global icon who has had success at all levels of soccer, whether it is with his club or winning the World Cup for his country," Dan Courtemanche, senior vice-president of marketing and communications for MLS and its commercial arm Soccer United Marketing, told The Sport Briefing.

"To have a player of his stature come to play in Major League Soccer and compete with the Red Bulls is only going to further elevate the profile of the game in our country.

"And we believe it is going to positively impact all areas of our business, including attendance, TV ratings, corporate sponsorship, licensed merchandise and other aspects.

"A player of Henry's stature will generate global exposure for the Red Bulls and Major League Soccer, and that is certainly going to have a positive impact on the sport in the United States and Canada."

Courtemanche admitted marquee signings like Henry and Beckham are "most definitely" part of Major League Soccer's plan to aid growth, but insisted the League hopes to start producing to its own world-class players over the next decade through its recently developed academy structure.

However, he hailed such "international stars" for their impact on MLS, which he believes will help the League fulfil its potential.

"We're 15 seasons into our development and right now we're continuing as an emerging soccer league in the global footprint," he added.

"But our goal is to be one of the world's elite soccer leagues.

"It's not going to happen tomorrow and it's not going to happen in the next five years, but could it happen within the next 20 or 30 years? Most definitely.

"Our ownership is committed to that and we've seen the addition of international stars such as Henry elevate the profile of Major League Soccer, but ultimately it is the infrastructure (that will help us succeed)."