The leadership landscape within Major League Soccer changed on Monday as MLS owners voted to appoint Larry Berg to become the league’s next commissioner.
Berg, a former LAFC co-owner, will take over for current MLS Commissioner Don Garber, whose contract expires at the end of 2027. While Don Garber is under contract until the end of 2027, the former Commissioner will assume the role of “Chairman” in the final year of his deal.
Outside of soccer, Berg’s career has included 30 years as a senior partner at Apollo Global Management, along with time spent with investment firm 26North, and serving as chairman of McGraw-Hill Education.
Berg joins Major League Soccer at a pivotal time as the league looks to grow more following the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil. It also comes as the league prepares to shift to a summer-to-spring calendar format intended to line MLS up closer to many of the world’s top leagues.
The appointment comes as many within and outside the league clamour for a shift into roster-building mechanisms in order to produce the best on-field product the league can. A move that will not only need support from league owners, but also from the MLS Players Association.
In a statement, Berg expressed his excitement about leading Major League Soccer into a new era.
"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," he said. "Together with our owners, clubs, players, partners, supporters, and league staff, I could not be more excited for what comes next."
