The board of governors for North American soccer’s top-tier Major League Soccer has voted to appoint Los Angeles FC co-managing owner Larry Berg as the league’s next commissioner, with a planned transition set to take effect in 2027. According to reports from major sports news organizations, Berg will succeed longtime commissioner Don Garber, who has led the organization since 1999.
The decision marks a significant leadership change for the league, which has experienced rapid expansion and commercial growth over the past two decades under Garber’s tenure. As co-managing owner of Los Angeles FC, Berg brings extensive club-level ownership experience and deep financial backing to the commissioner’s office as North American soccer prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the subsequent strategic cycle.
League officials and team owners have spent recent months evaluating succession plans as Garber’s long-standing leadership approaches its next phase. Berg’s appointment establishes a clear timeline for executive leadership heading toward 2027, giving clubs and corporate partners a defined runway for future governance and commercial planning.
Leadership Transition and Ownership Background
Larry Berg has served as a prominent figure within Major League Soccer through his ownership stake in Los Angeles FC, one of the league’s most commercially successful and high-profile expansion franchises. His background in private equity and sports governance positions him to oversee the ongoing financial expansion of the league, broadcasting negotiations, and club infrastructure developments.
Don Garber’s tenure as commissioner is widely credited with steering MLS from a precarious financial footing in its early years into a stable, multi-billion-dollar enterprise featuring 29 active clubs, with further expansion teams scheduled to begin play. Garber’s administration navigated major media rights agreements, including the landmark ten-year broadcast partnership with Apple TV, alongside the arrival of global stars such as Lionel Messi.
The 2027 transition timeline provides a multi-year bridge for the league’s executive office. It ensures stability through the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico—an event expected to permanently alter the soccer landscape in North America.
Strategic Priorities Ahead of 2027
The upcoming leadership change arrives at a pivotal moment for domestic club soccer. Major League Soccer continues to grapple with roster rules, salary cap structures, academy development integration, and competition formats involving leagues in the region, such as the Leagues Cup.
Stakeholders across the league expect Berg to focus heavily on digital expansion, international partnerships, and stadium infrastructure. With several franchises continuing to secure dedicated soccer-specific venues, managing real estate development and local municipality relationships remains a core operational challenge for club owners.
As the 2027 transition approaches, league governors and executive staff are expected to release further details regarding the operational handoff between Garber and Berg. Clubs, players, and supporters will monitor upcoming league meetings for official updates on how the governance structure will evolve under the incoming commissioner.
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