A New Commissioner Takes the Helm
Larry Berg, a seasoned sports executive and co‑owner of Los Angeles FC, has been selected to succeed Don Garber as commissioner of Major League Soccer, a role he will assume at the start of the new year. The announcement came during a press conference at MLS headquarters in New York, where Berg was introduced to the media and league stakeholders.
Berg, 60, will relinquish his stake in LAFC and transition fully into his new responsibilities, which include steering the league through a period of rapid expansion. He expressed enthusiasm for the challenge, citing the organization’s recent momentum and the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup as key catalysts for future growth.
Garber’s Legacy and the Road Ahead
Don Garber, who has guided MLS since 1999, will remain in the league as chairman after stepping down at the end of the 2026 season. In his farewell remarks, Garber praised Berg’s integrity, judgment and collaborative approach, noting that the incoming commissioner shares his vision of a stronger, more globally connected competition.
Berg’s track record includes ownership of Serie A club AS Roma and Swansea City AFC, where he helped secure a league cup and a championship shield. His experience in both European and North American markets is expected to inform a strategy that leverages international talent and broadens the sport’s appeal.
Looking Forward
The league’s leadership believes Berg’s appointment positions MLS to capitalize on heightened interest in soccer across the United States and abroad. With the 2026 World Cup set to be hosted on home soil, officials see an unprecedented opportunity to deepen fan engagement and expand commercial partnerships.