Larry Berg Named to Lead Major League Soccer Succession

After 27 years of expansion under Don Garber, Major League Soccer has tapped Los Angeles FC co-managing owner Larry Berg to serve as its next commissioner. The private equity executive will formally assume the role on January 1, 2027, following a selection process orchestrated by the league’s board of governors.

Editorial·August 4, 2026·reads: 443

Larry Berg Named to Lead Major League Soccer Succession

Garber, who has steered the league since 1999, will transition into the role of chairman at the conclusion of his term at the end of 2026. To satisfy league requirements and mitigate potential conflicts of interest, Berg will divest his ownership stake in LAFC. His tenure as a founding owner in Los Angeles saw the club secure the 2022 MLS Cup and two Supporters' Shield titles.

Berg’s appointment arrives as the league enters a critical juncture, including the post-World Cup landscape in North America, upcoming media rights negotiations, and a new collective bargaining agreement. Beyond his domestic experience, Berg brings an international perspective through his previous ownership involvement with AS Roma and Swansea City. His background in finance, including a three-decade career at Apollo Global Management and his current role at 26North, is expected to shape the league's strategic direction during its next phase of growth.