Major League Soccer is set to embark on a new chapter with the appointment of Larry Berg, co-owner of Los Angeles FC, as its next commissioner. This significant leadership transition will occur on January 1, 2027, as Berg steps into the role currently held by long-serving commissioner Don Garber. The league's Board of Governors finalized this decision after a thorough selection process, marking a pivotal moment in MLS history.
Larry Berg Selected as Next MLS Commissioner, Succeeding Don Garber in 2027
In a significant announcement from New York on Monday, August 3, 2026, the Major League Soccer Board of Governors officially named Larry Berg as the league's third commissioner. Berg, a prominent figure and co-owner of Los Angeles FC, is slated to assume his new responsibilities on January 1, 2027. This transition follows the distinguished tenure of Don Garber, who will conclude over 27 years as commissioner and move into the role of chairman within the league structure.
Berg's selection came after an extensive search by an MLS Succession Committee, which ultimately presented two finalists to the Board of Governors for a vote. In his initial statement, Berg conveyed his profound honor and excitement for the opportunity to guide Major League Soccer into its next phase of development. He emphasized his commitment to elevating the league's competitive standards, nurturing world-class athletic talent, fostering stronger bonds with supporters, and enhancing MLS's global standing in the sport. He expressed his eagerness to collaborate with club owners, players, partners, and staff to realize these ambitions.
Jimmy Haslam, a co-chair of the Succession Committee, lauded Berg's qualifications, highlighting his deep understanding of the league, his lifelong passion for soccer, his international perspective, and his proven leadership capabilities. These attributes, Haslam noted, make Berg an ideal leader to build upon MLS's current momentum and steer it towards future growth. Before taking on the commissioner role, Berg will be required to divest his ownership stake in LAFC. Bennett Rosenthal, LAFC's lead managing owner and also a co-chair on the Succession Committee, expressed mixed emotions, acknowledging the club's impending loss of Berg's valuable contributions while simultaneously celebrating his new appointment and its potential benefits for the entire league.
Berg's background includes holding an MBA from Harvard Business School and accumulating three decades of experience at Apollo Global Management, a testament to his strong financial acumen. His ownership involvement with LAFC since 2018 has provided him with invaluable insider knowledge of MLS operations. Don Garber, 68, who has served as commissioner since August 1999, will oversee the league's calendar alignment with major international soccer leagues, adopting a summer-to-spring wraparound format starting in the summer of 2027, before transitioning to his new role.
This transition represents not just a change in leadership but a renewed focus on strategic growth and global integration for Major League Soccer. Berg's financial expertise and intimate knowledge of team operations are expected to provide a fresh perspective as the league aims to solidify its place among the world's premier football competitions. The league's commitment to developing domestic talent and expanding its international footprint is set to receive a significant boost under his forthcoming leadership.
