Larry Berg, Part Owner of the Major League Soccer (MLS) team Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC), was selected as the new Commissioner of MLS (US), the league announced on August 3rd.
‘ESPN’ stated that the league owners met in New York City (US) to vote on the replacement of the current Commissioner Don Garber who is set to continue his role through 2026. In 2027, he will transition to Chairman after Larry Berg becomes Commissioner on January 1st.
New York (US)-based the Major League Soccer (MLS) is a professional soccer league in North America and is the highest level of the United States soccer league system. It comprises 30 teams with 27 in the United States and three in Canada.
Garber Feat
‘ESPN’ further stated that Don Garber has been in charge of the MLS since 1999 and led the league during its expansion from 10 clubs near the start of the 21st century to now 30 teams across the United States and Canada.
Next Era
Enthused Larry Berg, “I’m honored to lead the Major League Soccer (MLS) into its next era. We have an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen the quality of our competition, develop more world-class players, deepen our connection with the supporters, and continue elevating the Major League Soccer’s place in the global game. Together with our owners, the clubs, the players, the partners, the supporters, and the league staff, I could not be more excited for what comes next.”
Larry Berg will become the third Commissioner in the history of MLS.
Meteoric Rise
The MLS has grown tremendously during Don Garber’s tenure and hopes to capitalize on the momentum of the 2026 World Cup.
Next Chapter
Garber said in a statement, “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. His integrity, judgment, collaborative leadership, and the unwavering commitment to building the Los Angeles Football Club 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.”
Berg Feat
Berg previously held ownership stakes in the Serie A club AS Roma (Italy) as well as the Welsh club Swansea City A.F.C. (UK). Under Berg’s ownership the LAFC won the MLS Cup title in 2022, two Supporters’ Shields and a U.S. Open Cup trophy.
‘Right Leader’
Added Jimmy Haslam, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman of Haslam Sports Group and Co-Chair of the MLS Succession Committee (a special group of team owners formed by Major League Soccer to plan for the replacement of the longtime Commissioner Don Garber), “Larry Berg is the right leader for Major League Soccer’s next chapter. Throughout our process it became clear that Larry is uniquely qualified to lead the MLS through one of the most significant periods in its history.”
Berea (US)-based Haslam Sports Group’s mission is to engage and unite communities through premier sports and entertainment experiences.
Ownership Interest
According to the league, “Berg will divest his ownership interest in LAFC through the league’s established transition process to ensure he leads the league and its 30 clubs with full impartiality.”
Championship-Caliber Culture
The LAFC lead Managing Owner Bennett Rosenthal and Owner Brandon Beck said in a statement, “He [Larry Berg] has been a pivotal partner deeply influencing the trajectory of our club. His strategic foresight, from the vision behind the 22,000-seat BMO Stadium (in Los Angeles and home of the LAFC) to the cultivation of a championship-caliber culture, has been fundamental to our identity. While his absence from our daily operations will be widely felt the foundation we built together ensures continued success and seamless continuity for the LAFC.”
‘Sprint Season’
Soon to step up as the Commissioner, Berg will be tasked with leading the league as it seeks to evolve under a new format in 2027. Following a shortened “sprint season” that will kick off next year the MLS will then pivot to a summer-to-fall season for 2027-2028.
Berg will also have to manage the end of an upcoming media rights deal with Apple TV which will conclude in 2029.
Continue following Coliseum for the latest updates on sports venues, stadiums and arena business news worldwide.
Coliseum is dedicated to building a global community of sports and entertainment venue professionals helping create better and more profitable venues.
Become a member of the Global Sports Venue Alliance and connect with stadiums, arenas and industry experts from around the world. Apply for membership through the Global Sports Venue Alliance and access the 365Coliseum Business platform.