Larry Berg, a lifelong soccer enthusiast and co‑managing owner of Los Angeles FC, was recently chosen by the MLS Board of Governors to serve as the league’s next commissioner, succeeding Don Garber, who has steered the organization since 1999. Berg’s appointment marks the third time the role has been filled by a former club owner, underscoring the league’s confidence in his blend of sporting passion and business acumen.
From New Jersey Roots to League Leadership
Berg’s love affair with soccer began at age eight in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, where weekend matches and World Cup viewings sparked a lifelong devotion. Over the decades he has followed every facet of the game, from MLS fixtures to European powerhouses, cultivating a perspective that blends youthful excitement with seasoned insight.
Beyond his fan identity, Berg brings a robust private‑equity background and a track record of leadership on MLS committees, notably the Sporting and Competition Committee. His analytical approach to roster construction and strategic planning has earned praise from peers, with LAFC’s lead managing owner Bennett Rosenthal describing Berg’s ability to absorb soccer‑related information as unparalleled.
Strategic Priorities for a Transformative Era
Assuming office on January 1, 2027, Berg will inherit a league poised at a crossroads defined by the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the launch of a new competition calendar for the 2027‑28 season. Central to his agenda are plans to evolve the roster model, accelerate the development of soccer‑specific stadiums, and negotiate a fresh collective bargaining agreement that reflects the league’s growing financial and competitive ambitions.
A cornerstone of his vision is a league‑wide listening tour that will bring owners, players, and fans together to surface diverse ideas for enhancing competitiveness and entertainment value. Berg stresses that MLS owners are eager to move beyond the status quo, seeking forward‑thinking changes that keep the league vibrant in a hyper‑competitive global soccer landscape.
Owner Perspectives and Community Impact
Jimmy Haslam, managing partner of the Columbus Crew, hailed Berg’s appointment as the fulfillment of a ‘lifelong dream’ for a dedicated soccer advocate. He emphasized that Berg’s commitment to the sport transcends personal ambition, aiming instead to elevate the entire ecosystem. Similarly, MLS Board of Governors chair Don Garber highlighted Berg’s deep understanding of the league’s growth trajectory and his capacity to translate that insight into concrete action.
The overarching goal is to expand the league’s footprint, targeting 26 soccer‑specific stadiums across the United States and Canada to cement the region’s status as a premier soccer nation. By coupling infrastructure investment with a refreshed competitive framework, Berg hopes to attract a new generation of owners while preserving the league’s foundational strengths.