The board of governors for North American soccer’s top-tier MLS has voted to appoint Los Angeles FC co-managing owner Larry Berg as the league’s next commissioner from 2027.
The league announced Berg will step into the position from January 1, 2027, becoming the MLS’ third commissioner in its 30-year history. In accepting the role, Berg is required to divest his shares in LAFC to ensure he leads the league’s 30 clubs with full impartiality.
Berg said: “I'm honored to lead MLS into its next 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 MLS’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.”
Berg succeeds long-standing commissioner Don Garber, who has held the position since 1999, with Garber stepping into the role of MLS chairman to ensure a smooth transition.
During Garber's 27 years leading the league, he has overseen the growth of MLS from 10 to 30 clubs and the development of 26 soccer stadiums, while attracting major investors that have seen valuations rocket.
The appointment comes at a pivotal time for MLS as it looks to capitalize on increased interest in soccer created by the US and Canada co-hosting the recently ended FIFA 2026 World Cup.
Berg’s first task will be to lead the MLS through a major change in format, which will see a shortened season in the first half of 2027 before the league pivots to align with the European soccer calendar starting with a 2027-28 campaign.
The 2026 season will be the last full calendar year campaign.
At the same time, Berg will have responsibility for managing the MLS’ next rights deal, with its major agreement with Apple TV due to expire in 2029.
Garber said: “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 MLS’ next commissioner.
“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 comes with a wealth of experience in soccer, having previously owned stakes in Serie A club Roma and Welsh club Swansea City. LAFC, meanwhile, has won the MLS Cup in 2022, two Supporters’ Shields, and a US Open Cup under his ownership.
His main background is in private equity, having previously served as a partner at Apollo Global Management and as chair of McGraw-Hill Education. He is currently a senior adviser at alternative investment management firm 26North.
Berg first joined LAFC as a limited partner when the franchise was launched in 2014 but became one of the club’s managing owners in 2016 after an internal buyout. He is one of four primary owners of the franchise alongside Bennett Rosenthal (lead managing owner), Brandon Beck (managing owner), and Peter Guber (executive chair and owner).
LAFC is now one of the league’s most valuable franchises, with an estimated valuation of $1.32 billion, according to Forbes.
