Major League Soccer is making a massive leadership change, with LAFC co-owner Larry Berg stepping up to become the league’s third-ever commissioner. This isn’t just a simple swap; it’s a significant transition for a league that’s been under the same leadership for decades, and Berg is walking into some of the most transformative times in MLS history.
Don Garber’s Era Ends, Berg Steps Up
Get ready, soccer fans, because the league’s top job is getting a new face. League owners met in New York City on Monday and picked Larry Berg, an LAFC co-owner, to succeed long-time commissioner Don Garber. Garber has been at the helm since way back in 1999, so this is a huge moment. He’s actually under contract until the end of the 2027 season, but the plan is for him to stay on as commissioner through 2026, then transition into a chairman role in 2027. Berg will officially take over as commissioner on January 1, 2027. Talk about big shoes to fill! But Berg sounds ready for it. “I’m honored to lead Major League Soccer into its next era,” he said in an MLS statement. He’s convinced that even with all the success so far, “our greatest opportunities are still ahead.” He wants 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.” That’s a serious mission statement.
European Calendar and Massive Deals Looming
Berg isn’t just some suit walking into this. He’s been part of LAFC’s ownership group since they came into the league as an expansion side, and he’s helped them become a real force. He’s gonna have to divest his shares in LAFC now, but the dude’s got a strong business background, including stints at Apollo Global Management and McGraw-Hill Education. More importantly, he’s been heavily involved in new league initiatives as the co-chair of MLS’ Sporting & Competition Committee. And that experience is going to be critical because there’s a MASSIVE change coming. We’re talking about a move to a European calendar, which is set to happen in late 2027 after a sprint season runs from February to May of that year. This is a game-changer for the entire league structure. Plus, there’s an expiring Collective Bargaining Agreement and a new TV deal on the horizon. Berg’s intimate familiarity with the league’s structure is going to be vital with so many massive deals and changes approaching.
The Commissioner’s To-Do List
This guy’s plate isn’t just full; it’s overflowing. The MLS Succession Committee, co-chaired by Jimmy Haslam and Bennett Rosenthal, along with board members like Cliff Illig and Jonathan Kraft, had their work cut out for them, and they settled on Berg over a guy named Dav (whoever that is). Now Berg gets to tackle everything from figuring out the Whitecaps’ lease situation at BC Place, which is expiring, to the potential for even more expansion down the line. It’s a huge moment for MLS. Don Garber leaves a massive legacy, but with Berg, we’re staring down some seriously transformative years. Get ready, soccer fans. This is gonna be a ride.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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