Larry Berg named next MLS commissioner
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- Larry Berg, part owner of LAFC, was selected as MLS's third commissioner in league history, with the announcement coming after owners met in New York City to vote.
- Don Garber, who has led MLS since 1999 and oversaw expansion from 10 clubs to 30 teams across the U.S. and Canada, will continue as commissioner through 2026 before transitioning to chairman when Berg takes over in January 2027.
- Berg will divest his ownership stake in LAFC through the league's established transition process to ensure impartiality across all 30 clubs.
- LAFC, which debuted in 2018 under Berg's involvement, have claimed an MLS Cup title, two Supporters' Shields, and a U.S. Open Cup trophy, with co-owners Bennett Rosenthal and Brandon Beck crediting Berg's strategic foresight in building BMO Stadium and a championship culture.
- Berg will oversee MLS's shift to a summer-to-fall schedule for 2027-28, following a shortened "sprint season" in 2026, and must manage the conclusion of the league's media rights deal with Apple TV in 2029.
- Jimmy Haslam, CEO of Haslam Sports Group and co-chair of the MLS Succession Committee, called Berg "uniquely qualified" to lead MLS through what he described as "one of the most significant periods in its history."
Why it matters: Berg inherits a league at a structural inflection point — a calendar overhaul, the 2029 Apple TV media rights cliff, and 30 teams — while a 25-year era under Garber ends. His private equity background and LAFC championship pedigree position him as a continuity pick, but divesting his club ownership signals the league is preparing for harder commercial fights ahead.
