Larry Berg, the incoming commissioner of MLS, expressed that the North American league is poised to enter a “next chapter” and a “new era.”
MLS announced on Monday that Berg, a co-owner of LAFC, will officially take over as commissioner at the beginning of next year. Current commissioner Don Garber will maintain his position until 2026 before transitioning to the role of league chairman in 2027.
“The groundwork has been established,” Berg stated on Tuesday. “Now it’s our duty to build upon that, and that is what excites me the most.”
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“I did not take on this role to simply sustain our past achievements. I took it because I truly believe that this league is ready to embark on its next chapter. Major League Soccer is now entering a new era. The foundation is solid, the opportunities are remarkable, and I fully trust that together we can seize them.”
Berg, 60, has served as co-chair of the MLS sporting and competition committee and will divest his ownership stake in LAFC. He was officially introduced as the new commissioner on Tuesday at the league’s New York headquarters, following the necessary two-thirds majority vote from the owners.
“My top priority will be to listen,” Berg said. “In the months ahead, I plan to engage with owners, players, coaches, fans, league staff, commercial partners, and leaders throughout the soccer community. Each of them has valuable perspectives and ideas that can help mold our future.”
Under Garber’s leadership, the league expanded from 12 to 30 teams, launched the marketing arm Soccer United Marketing, promoted the construction of soccer-specific stadiums, and advanced the implementation of an academy system to nurture players in the United States.
According to Forbes, five clubs—Inter Miami, home to Lionel Messi, LAFC, LA Galaxy, Atlanta United, and New York City FC—are valued at over $1 billion each.
Berg will initially oversee the league’s transition to a new scheduling format, shifting from a summer-to-spring calendar to align more closely with its international counterparts. Currently, the league operates on a late winter to late fall schedule.
After the current season, MLS will implement a 14-game “sprint season” in early 2027 before the new schedule debuts in July, with the league championship set for May 2028.
Berg emphasized the need for greater focus on youth development and the overall quality of play. He mentioned reviewing the roster investment model, promising owners that he would spend the initial months meeting with them to gather their insights.
When asked about the potential introduction of promotion and relegation, Berg dismissed the idea. “I understand the appeal for fans, but I don’t believe it’s a viable method for building a league,” he stated. “It’s not conducive to building stadiums, training facilities, or investing in player rosters—all critical aspects for our league’s growth. Therefore, I don’t see it being suitable for us at this time.”
Berg will be the third commissioner in MLS history, following Garber, who has been at the helm since 1999.
“This isn’t the time to reflect on what has transpired over the past 28 to 31 years; it’s about looking ahead, about the direction we are heading with new leadership and the fresh energy Larry will bring to our sport,” Garber commented. “I am committed to supporting Larry throughout this transition and as chairman through 2027.”
“We’ve built a soccer nation, and witnessing the excitement this past summer—with the world coming to our country for the most remarkable World Cup in sports history—there’s no better moment for someone to take charge going forward.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.