Categories: Eastern ConferenceMLSWestern Conference

Berg to become MLS’s new commissioner

Photo: Major League Soccer

NEW YORK, NY–On Monday, Major League Soccer’s Succession Committee voted to appoint LAFC owner Larry Berg as the league’s third commissioner, succeeding Don Garber effective on New Year’s Day in 2027. A press conference has been announced for Tuesday to formally introduce Berg as the new commissioner.

Don Garber, who has been commissioner since 1999, will continue in the role through the 2026 season to ensure a seamless transition as the league gets set to adjust its calendar to better align with the major leagues in Europe next year.

“I’m honored to lead Major League Soccer into its next era,” said Berg. “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.”

Berg, a co-managing owner of LAFC, and Co-Chair of the leagues’ Sporing and Competition Committed will divest his ownership interest in LAFC through the league’s established transition process to ensure he leads the league and its 30 clubs with full impartiality consistent with MLS’s governance policies.

Beyond MLS, Berg has also held ownership interests in Serie A club AS Roma and Swansea City AFC in Wales, giving him first-hand experience across multiple football ecosystems and further strengthening the international perspective he brings to the Commissioner’s office.

Berg will be tasked with leading MLS as it tries to build from the momentum of the 2026 World Cup and towards the adjustment to a new calendar that will see MLS align its schedule with the likes of the English Premier League , La Liga, and the Bundesliga in 2027-28. A sprint season will take place in early 2027 in transition from this current season to the new time frame.

One potential challenge for Berg will be a new TV deal for the league as MLS has decided to opt out of its contract with Apple TV in 2029–four years ahead of schedule. Keeping the momentum generated by the arrival of players like Li0nel Messi and continuing to improvement of the on-field product will also be a challenge given the league’s desire to be mentioned as one of the best in the world. Berg most definitely is following the footsteps of what Garber has accomplished while commissioner.

During Garber’s 27 years as Commissioner, MLS went from 10 to 30 clubs, attracted a new generation of world-class owners, overseen the development of 26 soccer stadiums, and helped transform the United States and Canada into prominent soccer nations. Garber’s tenure has also seen the arrival of David Beckham to MLS as well as Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami. It is unmistakable that the league has gone from just barely surviving in 1999 to now thriving in 2026 with the potential for more growth. It will be up to Larry Berg to take things from there starting in 2027.