MLS eyes fresh direction as Larry Berg replaces two‑decade steward

MLS owners gathered in New York City on Monday to appoint Los Angeles FC co‑owner Larry Berg as the league’s next commissioner, succeeding Don Garber who has led Major League Soccer since 1999. The appointment juxtaposes Garber’s two‑decade stewardship with Berg’s promise of a new era for the competition.

The owners formally selected Berg at the New York City meeting, confirming the transition from Garber to the new chief executive and finalising a succession plan that had been discussed among league leadership.

Berg becomes only the third commissioner in the competition’s history and the first franchise co‑owner to head the entire organization, underscoring the league’s willingness to break with tradition.

Don Garber has held the commissioner’s office since 1999, overseeing the growth of Major League Soccer and expanding the league’s footprint across the United States and Canada.

Garber remains under contract through the end of the 2027 season, and MLS expects an overlap period between him and Berg to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities, though details of the overlap have not been disclosed.

Larry Berg has been part of Los Angeles FC’s ownership group since the club entered MLS as an expansion side and will divest his shares in LAFC upon assuming the commissioner role to avoid any conflict of interest.

Beyond football, Berg brings a strong business résumé, having worked at Apollo Global Management and McGraw‑Hill Education; his financial expertise is expected to aid the league’s commercial and operational strategies, and as co‑chair of MLS’ Sporting & Competition Committee he is involved in the planned shift to a European calendar in late 2027 after a sprint season from February to May 2027.

With an expiring Collective Bargaining Agreement and a new TV deal on the horizon, Berg’s intimate knowledge of MLS structures is seen as crucial for navigating these transitions, and he will also address issues such as the Whitecaps’ lease at BC Place and potential further expansion as part of his early to‑do list.

The contrast between Garber’s long‑standing leadership and Berg’s business‑driven vision signals a new era for MLS while preserving continuity through the planned overlap, suggesting the league aims to blend experience with fresh strategic direction.