MLS Owners Select Larry Berg to Succeed Don Garber as Commissioner

The Transition Plan and the End of an Era

Major League Soccer is preparing for a monumental changing of the guard. League owners gathered in New York City on a Monday to select Los Angeles FC co-owner Larry Berg to succeed Don Garber, who has held the league’s top executive post since 1999.

While Garber’s contract runs through the end of the 2027 season, the leadership shift will begin much sooner. Berg is set to take over for Garber at the start of the new year, with plans for a period of overlap between the outgoing executive and his successor. Garber will remain with the organization as commissioner through the end of the 2026 season before transitioning into a role as chairman of the league.

Berg will be officially introduced to the public on Tuesday at MLS headquarters in New York.

Business Background and the LAFC Divestment

Berg brings a heavy corporate and investment background to the commissioner’s office. He spent 30 years as a senior partner at Apollo Global Management beginning in 1992, later joining investment firm 26North as a partner in 2023. His soccer portfolio includes past ownership stakes in Serie A club AS Roma and Swansea City AFC in Wales, alongside his foundational involvement with LAFC.

Joining LAFC as a limited partner in 2014, Berg rose to managing owner and eventually lead managing owner. Under his watch, the franchise developed into a league powerhouse, winning the Supporters’ Shield in 2019 and capturing the MLS Cup in 2022.

That deep club ties created an immediate governance question regarding potential conflicts of interest. To step into the commissioner’s role, Berg is expected to be required to divest his stake in the team, an asset currently valued at over $1 billion. He previously held ownership interests in international clubs, but taking the helm of North America’s domestic league requires complete separation from individual franchise equity.

Leadership Perspectives on the Next Chapter

In statements released alongside the announcement, both incoming and outgoing executives emphasized continuity and global ambition for the competition.

“I’m honored to lead Major League Soccer into its next era, Thanks to the vision and commitment of so many people, Major League Soccer has achieved tremendous success, but I believe our greatest opportunities are still ahead. We have an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen the quality of our competition, develop more world-class players, deepen our connection with supporters, and continue elevating Major League Soccer’s place in the global game. Together with our owners, clubs, players, partners, supporters, and league staff, I could not be more excited for what comes next.”

Larry Berg, incoming MLS Commissioner

Garber endorsed his successor by pointing to a decade of collaborative governance. The outgoing commissioner praised Berg’s steady hand during years of league development.

“Having worked closely with Larry over the past decade, I’ve seen firsthand the qualities that make him an exceptional leader, and I have complete confidence he is the right person to serve as Major League Soccer’s next commissioner, His integrity, judgment, collaborative leadership, and unwavering commitment to building LAFC and the league have made him an invaluable partner. I look forward to working alongside Larry during this transition and supporting him as he leads MLS into its next chapter.”

Don Garber, MLS Commissioner

Navigating League Expansion and Modernization Initiatives

Berg steps into the office with an extensive operational portfolio already under his belt. As co-chair of the league’s Sporting & Competition Committee, he helped guide the implementation of the initiatives known as MLS 3.0, a modernization push designed to reshape the competition’s profile.

That institutional familiarity will be vital as the league faces a packed operational calendar. Berg’s committee background directly ties into a massive upcoming scheduling overhaul: a planned move to a European calendar. That transition is scheduled to kick off in late 2027, following a short sprint season running from February to May of 2027 to align domestic play with global football schedules.

Pending Business and Immediate Challenges

Beyond the calendar shift, the incoming commissioner faces a heavy administrative docket. The league approaches an expiring Collective Bargaining Agreement alongside a looming television rights deal.

Operational questions also remain open at the club level. The league must navigate unresolved stadium and lease situations, such as the expiring lease for the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place, alongside ongoing evaluations for further franchise expansion.