Soccer

Larry Berg to Lead MLS as Don Garber Steps Down

New commissioner aims to elevate the league’s global profile and competitive standards

Larry Berg, co‑owner of Los Angeles FC, is set to become the next commissioner of Major League Soccer, taking over from Don Garber who will step down after the 2026 season.

Berg will divest his stake in LAFC as he assumes the league’s top office, a move that underscores his commitment to the broader competition rather than a single club.

A Vision for Global Growth

In a statement, Berg said he is honored to lead MLS into its next era, highlighting opportunities to strengthen competition, develop world‑class players and deepen connections with supporters worldwide.

He pointed to the league’s recent triumphs, including LAFC’s 2022 MLS Cup and 2019 Supporters’ Shield, as a foundation for future success.

Garber’s Legacy

Don Garber, who has steered MLS since 1999, will transition to league chairman in 2026 after more than two decades of expansion and institutional growth.

Under his leadership the league has broadened its footprint, secured major broadcast deals and positioned itself as a key player on the global soccer stage, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.

Garber praised Berg’s integrity, judgment and collaborative skills, expressing full confidence that the new commissioner will build on the momentum already generated.

Berg’s background includes ownership stakes in Serie A club AS Roma and Welsh side Swansea City AFC, experiences he says will inform his approach to elevating MLS’s competitive standards.

The appointment was announced at MLS headquarters in New York, where Berg will officially assume his role on Tuesday, marking the start of a new chapter for the league.

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