Major League Soccer is in the advanced stages of selecting a new commissioner, as two prominent individuals have been identified as finalists to take over from the long-serving Don Garber. This significant leadership transition marks a new chapter for the league, which has seen considerable growth under Garber's nearly three-decade tenure. The selection process highlights the league's commitment to strategic planning and ensuring continued expansion and success.
The two leading candidates for the coveted role are Larry Berg, a co-owner of Los Angeles FC, and David Nathanson, a former executive at Fox. Their emergence as finalists follows the withdrawal of Paraag Marathe, president of 49ers Enterprises, from consideration. Each candidate brings a distinct background and set of skills that could shape the future direction of MLS, underscoring the league's desire for diverse leadership perspectives.
MLS officials have acknowledged the ongoing comprehensive succession planning process initiated by the Board of Governors. A representative from the league conveyed to Sportico that numerous highly qualified individuals were evaluated, and the succession committee, in collaboration with the current commissioner and the Board, is actively managing this crucial transition. This structured approach aims to ensure a seamless handover and sustained progress for Major League Soccer.
Don Garber, at 68 years old, is nearing the conclusion of his remarkable third decade as commissioner, a position he has held since August 1999. His tenure is notably one of the longest among major U.S. sports leagues, surpassed only by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, who assumed his role in February 1993. Garber's existing contract extends through the end of the 2027 season, though potential adjustments to the league calendar could influence this timeline.
In 2025, a dedicated succession committee was formed to orchestrate the plan for Garber's replacement. This committee is co-chaired by LAFC co-owner Bennett Rosenthal and Columbus Crew owner Jimmy Haslam. To assist in identifying and evaluating potential candidates, the committee enlisted the expertise of the consulting firm Korn Ferry, ensuring a thorough and professional search.
Larry Berg, with his ownership stake in LAFC since 2018, possesses an intimate understanding of MLS operations. His professional background is rooted in finance, holding an MBA from Harvard Business School and boasting three decades of experience at Apollo Global Management. This financial acumen and insider knowledge are seen as valuable assets for the commissioner role.
David Nathanson's extensive experience in media positions him uniquely to navigate future broadcasting and streaming rights negotiations, a critical aspect of modern sports leagues. During his time at Fox, he played a pivotal role in securing broadcast rights for multiple FIFA World Cups, including the 2018, 2022, and 2026 tournaments. Additionally, Nathanson is a minority owner of the Seattle Sounders and serves as a director for the U.S. Soccer Foundation, further highlighting his deep involvement in the sport.
The chosen commissioner-elect is anticipated to collaborate closely with Don Garber during the transition period. Garber's leadership has been instrumental in the league's expansion, transforming MLS from 12 to 30 teams, a testament to his vision and dedication. The next commissioner will be tasked with building upon this legacy and guiding MLS through its next phase of growth and development.
Major League Soccer is currently in the process of identifying its next leader, with two highly qualified candidates vying for the commissioner position. This pivotal transition underscores the league's strategic foresight, ensuring that a new vision and leadership will continue to propel MLS forward. The successor will build upon the remarkable legacy of Don Garber, who has been instrumental in the league's substantial growth and expansion over nearly three decades.
