Major League Soccer has announced that Larry Berg, co-managing owner of Los Angeles FC, will become the league's next commissioner, succeeding Don Garber in 2027. The decision, made by MLS's board of governors, marks a significant shift as Berg will be the first club owner to hold the league's top executive position.
A Changing of the Guard
Berg's appointment ends a long successor search and sets the stage for a transition at a pivotal moment for American soccer. Garber, who has been commissioner since 1999, oversaw the league's expansion from 12 to 30 teams, the construction of soccer-specific stadiums, and the arrivals of global stars such as Lionel Messi. His tenure will see the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, before Berg takes over.
"MLS announced the decision on its official website, with Berg slated to assume the role after Garber's current term concludes," reported the Guardian. The move was described by several outlets as "league-altering" and "historic," reflecting the unusual choice to elevate a current owner to the top job.
"For their commissioner of the future, MLS owners chose a soccer native," NPR declared, encapsulating the significance of Berg's appointment.
Who Is Larry Berg?
Berg is a private equity executive and a founding partner of LAFC, one of the league's most successful and innovative franchises. Since joining MLS in 2018, LAFC has won the MLS Cup (2022) and the Supporters' Shield twice, while also leading the league in attendance and digital engagement. NPR highlighted that Berg's team "is seen as one of MLS's best-run franchises, and he has embraced rule changes designed to modernize the league."
Before co-founding LAFC, Berg was a partner at Ares Management, a global investment firm. His business acumen and hands-on approach to club management were key factors in the owners' choice. Sportico noted that the selection signals a desire for data-driven decision-making and revenue growth, while the New York Post called it a "league-altering move" that could reshape how MLS operates.
The Agenda: Quality, Youth, and the World Cup
Reuters reported that Berg's priorities include improving the overall quality of play and strengthening youth development pipelines. His vision aligns with MLS's efforts to become a "seller's league," developing homegrown talent rather than solely relying on high-priced international stars.
According to MLSsoccer.com, Berg "envisions 'next level' as MLS Commissioner," a phrase that encapsulates his ambitions. The 2026 World Cup provides a unique opportunity to convert casual fans into regular attendees, and Berg is expected to leverage that momentum.
- Elevating competitive standards and the caliber of play
- Expanding youth academies and the MLS NEXT Pro pathway
- Growing broadcast revenues and commercial partnerships
- Enhancing the matchday experience and stadium innovation
Media Framing: A Historic Move or a Necessary Evolution?
Coverage of the announcement varied in tone. The Guardian framed the vote as a natural step for a league that prizes stability, while France 24 emphasized the international dimension, noting that Berg's background could help MLS gain global credibility. The New York Post and multiple MSN outlets used the term "league-altering," suggesting that Berg's ownership perspective will bring a fundamental change to the commissioner's office.
Some analysts expressed caution. ESPN, which had earlier reported that the league was down to two finalists, pointed out the potential for conflicts of interest, as Berg will be both a stakeholder and the league's chief executive. However, MLS rules apparently permit this arrangement, and Berg may be expected to divest or recuse himself from LAFC decisions. The league has yet to clarify these governance details.
Reactions from Around the League
Front Row Soccer and other outlets gathered reactions from coaches and executives, many of whom praised Berg's collaborative style. Sporting director of LAFC, John Thorrington, called Berg "a visionary leader" in a club statement, while other owners lauded his commitment to investing in infrastructure.
Not everyone is convinced. Some supporters' groups have raised concerns about the concentration of power among wealthy owners, and the appointment has reignited debates about the league's single-entity structure. Nonetheless, the overwhelming sentiment is one of optimism.
Challenges Ahead
Berg will face numerous challenges when he officially takes office in 2027. He must navigate the post-Garber era, manage the league's relationship with the players' union, and ensure that MLS capitalizes on the World Cup boost. His success will depend on his ability to balance the interests of 30 different clubs while maintaining the league's financial stability.
As the league prepares to welcome new expansion teams in San Diego and possibly other cities, Berg's leadership will be tested. But those who know him from LAFC describe a leader who is not afraid to take risks. "He has always been willing to experiment, whether it's technology, fan experience, or player recruitment," one league source told Sports Video Group.
The next commissioner will inherit a league that has never been more popular. With Messi now in Miami and the World Cup on the horizon, Larry Berg has a chance to write the next chapter of American soccer. Whether that chapter lives up to the hype will depend on how he navigates the pressures of the beautiful game's biggest stage.
