MLS Names Larry Berg Next Commissioner To Succeed Don Garber
Monday, August 3, 2026 at 04:24PM By Barry Janoff
August 3, 2026: There’s a new commissioner in town and his name is Larry Berg.
Berg has been named Major League Soccer’s next commissioner following at the league’s headquarters.
Berg, who has been a co-owner of MLS LAFC since the team was founded in 2014, will succeed commissioner Don Garber, who has held the position since 1999.
Berg will divest from LAFC before taking over as MLS commissioner on Jan. 1, 2027, with Garber moving to chairman.
"Having worked closely with Larry over the past decade, I've seen firsthand the qualities that make him an exceptional leader, and I have complete confidence he is the right person to serve as Major League Soccer's next Commissioner," said Garber viia MLS.
"His integrity, judgment, collaborative leadership, and unwavering commitment to building LAFC and the league have made him an invaluable partner. I look forward to working alongside Larry during this transition and supporting him as he leads MLS into its next chapter."
The move coincides with MLS shifting its competition calendar for the 2027-28 season from February-December to July-May to match FIFA and other global league dates.
A 2027 transition "Sprint" Season will see an abbreviated 14-game intra-conference regular season runs from February-May 2027, with the playoffs in May 2027.
"Larry Berg is the right leader for Major League Soccer’s next chapter," said MLS Succession Committee co-chair, Jimmy Haslam, CEO and chairman of Haslam Sports Group, will MLS.
"Throughout our process, it became clear that Larry is uniquely qualified to lead MLS through one of the most significant periods in its history. His deep understanding of our league, lifelong connection to the game, global perspective, and proven leadership make him the right person to build on MLS’s momentum and guide the league into its next era of growth."
In addition to the schedule change, MLS said In the coming years it would “continue evolving its roster model, open several new soccer-specific stadiums, engage in future media rights discussions, and finalize a new collective bargaining agreement.”
"I'm honored to lead Major League Soccer into its next era," said Berg via MLS. "Thanks to the vision and commitment of so many people, Major League Soccer has achieved tremendous success, but I believe our greatest opportunities are still ahead.
"We have an extraordinary opportunity 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. Together with our owners, clubs, players, partners, supporters, and league staff, I could not be more excited for what comes next."
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