Major League Soccer announced that Los Angeles FC co-owner Larry Berg will assume the commissioner role on January 1, 2027. Berg will relinquish his LAFC ownership stake to comply with league rules, succeeding Don Garber.
Key Takeaways
- Larry Berg becomes MLS commissioner on Jan 1 2027
- He will divest his LAFC ownership interest
- Don Garber moves to chairman role in 2027
Larry Berg, the co-managing owner of Los Angeles FC, has been voted in by MLS owners to lead the league beginning in 2027. The decision was confirmed after a New York meeting on Monday.
Berg helped LAFC rise to elite status, guiding the club to an MLS Cup in 2022 and two Supporters’ Shields (2019, 2022). To take the commissioner’s seat, he will surrender his ownership share in LAFC, as stipulated by league bylaws.
Long‑time commissioner Don Garber, who has overseen MLS since 1999, will transition to chairman in 2027, ensuring a seamless leadership handover. Under Garber, MLS survived early‑2000s club closures and grew to 29 franchises by 2025.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows Berg’s deep league knowledge and global perspective position him to steer MLS through a pivotal era—aligning the season with the worldwide football calendar, renegotiating media rights, and shaping a new collective bargaining agreement.
"Berg’s blend of on‑field success and executive acumen makes him the ideal steward for MLS’s next growth chapter," says soccer analyst Maria Torres.
Historical Background
Founded in 1993 and launched in 1996, MLS struggled financially in its first decade. Garber’s tenure brought stability, expansion, and a surge in viewership, turning the league into a major North American sports property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long is Berg’s initial contract?
A: The first term runs for five years, starting January 1 2027.
Q2: What major challenges will Berg face?
A: Overhauling roster rules, negotiating a new media‑rights deal, and finalizing a collective bargaining agreement with players.
