Larry Berg, co-owner of LAFC, has been named the new commissioner of MLS, as announced by the league on Monday.
During a meeting in New York City, league owners voted to select Berg as the successor to current commissioner Don Garber, who will remain in his position until 2026 before transitioning to chairman in 2027 when Berg officially takes over on January 1.
Garber has been at the helm of MLS since 1999, overseeing the league’s growth from just 10 clubs to 30 teams throughout the United States and Canada.
“I am honored to guide Major League Soccer into its next chapter,” Berg stated. “We have a remarkable chance to enhance the quality of our competition, nurture more world-class players, strengthen our ties with supporters, and further elevate MLS’s status on the global stage. I am thrilled about what lies ahead alongside our owners, clubs, players, partners, supporters, and league staff.”
Berg will be the third commissioner in MLS history.
Under Garber’s leadership, MLS has experienced significant growth and aims to leverage the momentum leading up to the 2026 World Cup.
“Having collaborated with Larry for the past decade, I’ve witnessed the qualities that make him an exceptional leader, and I am confident he is the right choice for MLS’s next commissioner,” Garber remarked in a statement.
“His integrity, judgment, collaborative style, and steadfast commitment to both LAFC and the league have established him as an invaluable collaborator. I look forward to working closely with Larry during this transition and supporting him as he propels MLS into its new era.”
Berg has held ownership stakes in Serie A club AS Roma and Welsh club Swansea City. Under his leadership, LAFC secured the MLS Cup title in 2022, along with two Supporters’ Shields and a U.S. Open Cup trophy.
“Larry Berg is the ideal leader for Major League Soccer’s next chapter,” stated Jimmy Haslam, CEO and chairman of Haslam Sports Group and co-chair of the MLS Succession Committee.
“Throughout this process, it became evident that Larry is uniquely equipped to guide MLS during one of its most important phases.”
The league noted that Berg will relinquish his ownership interest in LAFC as part of the league’s established transition process, ensuring his impartial leadership of the league and its 30 clubs.
“Larry has been a crucial partner, greatly influencing our club’s trajectory,” said LAFC lead managing owner Bennett Rosenthal and owner Brandon Beck in a joint statement.
“His strategic vision, from the development of BMO Stadium to fostering a championship-caliber culture, has been integral to our identity. While we will feel his absence in daily operations, the foundation we created together guarantees ongoing success and continuity for LAFC.”
As he steps into the role of commissioner, Berg will lead the league through a new format set to be introduced in 2027, following a brief “sprint season” kicking off next year, with MLS transitioning to a summer-to-fall season for 2027-28.
He will also oversee the conclusion of an upcoming media rights agreement with Apple TV, which is set to expire in 2029.
This report includes information from The Associated Press.