Major League Soccer Names LAFC Co-Owner Larry Berg as Next Commissioner
Major League Soccer has named Los Angeles FC co-managing owner Larry Berg as the league's next commissioner. The announcement was made on Monday following a vote by league owners in New York. Berg is scheduled to take the helm from current commissioner Don Garber on January 1, 2027.
Berg will become the third commissioner in the history of Major League Soccer. Garber, who has led the league since taking over from Doug Logan in 1999, will transition to the role of chairman in 2027 to ensure a seamless leadership transition, according to an MLS statement.
In a statement issued by the league, Berg expressed his gratitude for the appointment. He noted that while Major League Soccer has achieved significant success, its greatest opportunities remain ahead, including strengthening competition, developing world-class players, and deepening connections with supporters.
Ownership Divestment and LAFC Legacy
Under Major League Soccer rules, Berg will be required to give up his ownership interest in LAFC to assume the commissioner role. During his tenure with the Southern California club, Berg helped establish LAFC as one of the league's elite franchises.
Under his co-management, LAFC won the MLS Cup in 2022. The club also secured the Supporters' Shield, awarded to the team with the best overall regular season record, in both 2019 and 2022.
Garber will depart the commissioner role after a 27-year tenure. During his leadership, he guided the league through severe financial challenges in the early 2000s, including the loss of two clubs in 2002, and subsequently oversaw a period of significant growth in both the number and valuation of MLS franchises.
Transition to a New Calendar and Future Challenges
Berg's upcoming leadership coincides with a major structural transformation for the league. MLS is currently planning to transition from its traditional February-to-December schedule to a season format that aligns with most global football leagues.
This transition will feature a shortened February-to-May campaign in 2027, officially designated as the "MLS Sprint Season." This temporary format will pave the way for the kickoff of the 2027-28 season in July 2027, which is scheduled to conclude with the MLS Cup in May 2028.
In addition to the scheduling overhaul, Berg will face several key administrative and commercial tasks. These include addressing proposed changes to roster and salary cap rules, negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement with the players, and securing a new media-rights agreement, as the league's current broadcast deal with Apple TV is set to expire in mid-2029.
The Succession Process
The search for Garber's successor was led by a dedicated succession committee co-chaired by Jimmy Haslam. Haslam is the chief executive of Haslam Sports Group, which owns the MLS club Columbus Crew, the NFL's Cleveland Browns, and a stake in the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks.
Haslam endorsed the appointment, stating that the selection process made it clear that Berg is uniquely qualified to guide MLS through a highly significant period in its history. He cited Berg's deep understanding of the league, lifelong connection to the sport, and global perspective as key assets for driving future growth.
