Major League Soccer (MLS) has appointed a new commissioner. Larry Berg, co-owner of Los Angeles FC (LAFC), will take on the role. The league made the announcement on Monday. Starting in the new year, Berg will succeed Don Garber, who has served as commissioner since 1999. The 60-year-old Berg will divest his ownership interest in LAFC. His official introduction will take place on Tuesday at MLS headquarters in New York, as reported by infohub.kz.
"I'm honored to lead Major League Soccer into its next era," Berg said in a statement. "Thanks to the vision and commitment of so many people, Major League Soccer has achieved tremendous success, but I believe our greatest opportunities are still ahead. 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. Together with our owners, clubs, players, partners, supporters, and league staff, I could not be more excited for what comes next."
Garber will remain MLS commissioner through the end of the 2026 season, after which he will become chairman of the league. During Garber's tenure, MLS has grown significantly, and the league hopes to capitalize on the momentum of the 2026 World Cup.
"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," Garber said in a statement. "His integrity, judgment, collaborative leadership, and unwavering commitment to building LAFC 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 previously held ownership stakes in Serie A club AS Roma and Swansea City AFC in Wales. Under Berg's ownership, LAFC won the MLS Cup in 2022 and the Supporters' Shield in 2019.