Don Garber, who has steered Major League Soccer for three decades, announced his departure, bringing to a close an era that reshaped the league from a modest 12‑team venture into a 30‑team enterprise with a global footprint.
Under his guidance, MLS built soccer‑specific venues for most clubs, attracted marquee international stars, and cultivated a pipeline of domestic talent, positioning itself as a credible player in the world football marketplace.
The 2026 World Cup final, watched by millions, underscored the growing appetite for soccer in the United States, even as American audiences still gravitate toward European competitions and the traditional North American big‑four sports.
The Road Ahead for MLS
Larry Berg, a minority owner of Los Angeles FC, was chosen by the league’s clubs to succeed Garber, with his tenure set to begin on January 1, 2027, while Garber transitions to an advisory role.
Berg’s agenda includes a short “sprint” season in early 2027, followed by a full fall‑to‑spring schedule in 2027‑2028, and a revamped salary structure that promises greater autonomy for clubs.
The proposed changes aim to make the league more authentic and competitively rigorous, a shift that league insiders say is essential to win over American fans who currently prefer overseas leagues.
Success will hinge on convincing owners to adopt higher ambitions for their teams and cities, echoing the aspirational model that Los Angeles FC has pursued since its 2018 entry.