Full Breakdown
Larry Berg Named Next Commissioner of Major League Soccer
8/4/2026, 12:55:42 PM
Core Appointment
Major League Soccer announced on August 3, 2026 that Larry Berg, co-owner of Los Angeles FC and co-chair of the league’s Sporting and Competition Committee, will become the league’s third commissioner. Berg will be introduced at MLS headquarters the following day and will assume the role at the start of 2027. Current commissioner Don Garber will remain in office through the end of 2026 before transitioning to chairman.
Background & Context
Larry Berg, a 60-year-old private-equity executive, has owned stakes in Serie A club AS Roma and Welsh club Swansea City, and helped build LAFC into a championship organization—winning the MLS Cup in 2022, the Supporters’ Shield in 2019 and 2022, and a U.S. Open Cup. Under Garber’s 27-year tenure, MLS expanded from 10 to 30 clubs and added 26 soccer-specific stadiums, positioning the league for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Timeline
- August 3, 2026 – MLS announces Berg as next commissioner.
- Following day – Berg’s formal introduction at MLS headquarters in Midtown Manhattan.
- Start of 2027 – Berg assumes the commissioner’s office; Garber becomes chairman.
- 2026-27 season – MLS will run a shortened “sprint” season, then shift to a summer-to-fall calendar for 2027-28.
- 2029 – Existing Apple TV media-rights agreement expires.
Data & Statistics
- MLS clubs: 30 (up from 10 at the start of Garber’s tenure).
- Stadiums built during Garber era: 26.
- LAFC achievements under Berg: 1 MLS Cup (2022), 2 Supporters’ Shields (2019, 2022), 1 U.S. Open Cup.
- Berg’s private-equity experience: more than 30 years, including senior partnership at Apollo Global Management until 2022 and a subsequent role at 26North.
Official Statements & Responses
MLS officials said Berg will divest his LAFC ownership through the league’s transition process to ensure impartial leadership of all clubs. LAFC’s lead managing owner Bennett Rosenthal and co-owner Brandon Beck praised Berg’s strategic vision for BMO Stadium and his role in establishing a championship culture, noting that his departure will be felt but the club’s foundation remains solid.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m honored to lead Major League Soccer into its next era,” — Larry Berg
- “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,” — Don Garber
- “Larry Berg is the right leader for Major League Soccer's next chapter,” — Jimmy Haslam, CEO and chairman
What’s Next
As commissioner, Berg will oversee the new competition calendar beginning in 2027, guide the evolution of the roster model, support additional stadium construction, and lead negotiations for future media-rights agreements after the Apple TV deal ends in 2029. He will also work with the MLS Players Association on a new collective bargaining agreement in the coming years.
