Larry Berg Tapped to Lead MLS: A New Era for American Soccer Dawns in 2027

Major League Soccer is set for a significant leadership change as LAFC co-managing owner Larry Berg has been voted as the next Commissioner, set to take over from Don Garber on January 1, 2027. This move signals a new chapter for the rapidly growing league, bringing a private equity executive's perspective to the top job during a pivotal period following the recent FIFA World Cup 2026. Berg's appointment, decided by the MLS Board of Governors, positions him to steer the league through critical developments, including the introduction of a new competition calendar and ongoing discussions around media deals. Don Garber remarkable 27-year tenure saw MLS expand from just 10 clubs to 30, build numerous soccer-specific stadiums, and secure a landmark global streaming partnership with Apple TV, dramatically increasing the league's profile and average club valuations to over $720 million. Berg, a senior partner at private equity firm 26North, brings a proven track record, having helped transform LAFC into one of the league's most successful organizations, winning the MLS Cup in 2022. His challenge will be to build on Garber's legacy while navigating intensified global competition for talent and fan engagement, particularly in the wake of the World Cup hosted in North America. As Berg prepares to assume his role, with Garber transitioning to Chairman for a seamless handover through 2026, the league faces key strategic decisions regarding player roster models, future media rights, and finalizing a new collective bargaining agreement. His leadership will be crucial in leveraging the momentum generated by the World Cup to deepen MLS connection with supporters and further elevate its standing in the global soccer landscape, ensuring sustained growth and competitive credibility.