Larry Berg, a longtime soccer aficionado and co-managing owner of Los Angeles FC, is poised to assume the mantle of Major League Soccer's third commissioner on January 1, 2027. His appointment marks a pivotal moment for the league, as it seeks to harness the surging interest in soccer following the 2026 World Cup in North America. With a vision to propel MLS to unprecedented heights, Berg plans to build upon the league's established infrastructure and attract top-tier global talent, further solidifying its position on the international stage.
Berg's journey to this prominent leadership role began with a deep-seated passion for soccer, cultivated since childhood. His professional trajectory, encompassing an MBA from Harvard Business School and a successful career in finance and private equity, provided him with a unique blend of business acumen and sports enthusiasm. This foundation led him to invest in Los Angeles FC in 2018, transitioning from a devoted fan to an active participant in the league's growth. His selection by the MLS Board of Governors as Don Garber's successor underscores his commitment and expertise within the soccer community.
The timing of Berg's ascension is particularly opportune, as MLS stands at a critical juncture in its more than three-decade history. While founded in 1993, the league commenced play in 1996, missing the prime capitalization window of the 1994 World Cup. However, the forthcoming 2026 World Cup, hosted across North America, presents an unparalleled opportunity for the domestic league to expand its global footprint and elevate its profile. The league, which will comprise 30 teams by the 2025 season with an eventual target of 32, has already become an attractive destination for renowned international players such as Lionel Messi, Son Heung-min, Timo Werner, and Robert Lewandowski.
Don Garber, the outgoing commissioner who has led MLS since 1999, will transition to a chairman role. His tenure saw significant growth and development for the league. Garber expressed confidence in Berg's ability to steer MLS toward future successes, citing Berg's experience as an owner, his leadership on the Sporting and Competition Committee, and his profound love for the game. Berg himself emphasized the league's strong foundation, including its modern stadiums, training facilities, and academies. He believes that by infusing innovative thinking and enhancing competitiveness, MLS can achieve its long-held ambition of reaching the "next level." A prerequisite for Berg's new role is the divestment of his ownership stake in LAFC, ensuring impartiality and a singular focus on the league's overarching objectives.
As Larry Berg prepares to take the helm, the Major League Soccer community anticipates a period of significant transformation and expansion. His leadership is expected to capitalize on the league's solid groundwork, drawing on his financial expertise and deep passion for the sport to attract further investment, elevate player talent, and align MLS with global soccer calendars. This strategic shift, coinciding with the 2026 World Cup, is set to usher in a vibrant new chapter for the league, reinforcing its status as a dynamic and increasingly influential force in professional soccer.
