MLS appoints LAFC co-owner Berg as next commissioner

Major League Soccer (MLS) has appointed Larry Berg, co-owner of Los Angeles FC (LAFC), as its next commissioner, set to take office on January 1, 2027. Berg, a seasoned private equity executive, succeeds Don Garber, who will remain in the role through the end of 2026 before transitioning to chairman. The decision comes amid heightened interest in soccer following the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Berg emphasized that improving the quality of play and strengthening the league’s youth development programs will be central to his leadership strategy. Berg, who was chosen by the MLS Board of Governors after a succession process led by a committee of club owners, will sell his ownership stake in LAFC to avoid conflicts of interest. He described the appointment as an honor, stating he believes the league faces “our greatest opportunities” moving forward. Berg has been a key figure in MLS, serving as co-chair of the league’s Sporting and Competition Committee and helping establish LAFC in 2018. Under his leadership, LAFC secured two MLS Cup titles and two Supporters' Shield awards. In an interview, Berg outlined his priorities, emphasizing the need to convert the surge in interest generated by the World Cup into sustained support for the league. He noted that higher viewership numbers and increased attendance at games and fan festivals indicate a growing appetite for soccer in the region. “Quality on the field is obviously number one,” he said. “The more we grow fandom, the more resources we have to improve the quality on the field, and the more the quality on the field grows, the more fandom we’ll have.” Berg highlighted the importance of developing young talent within MLS academies and the league’s developmental league, MLS Next Pro. He argued that providing teenagers with regular playing time could distinguish MLS from other major sports leagues in North America and beyond. This approach, he said, would also strengthen the U.S. and Canadian national teams by creating a deeper pool of homegrown players. With over three decades of experience in private equity, Berg acknowledged concerns about the increasing role of private investment in sports. He stressed that the industry should not be viewed as a monolith and that well-structured investments can benefit soccer’s growth. Berg cited the partnership between MLS and KKR in its second division as an example of how capital can support clubs in smaller markets through stadium development and municipal collaborations. Berg will step down from his role as LAFC co-owner, though he expressed confidence that the club is “in great hands.” He credited fan involvement in shaping LAFC’s identity, including the design of its supporter section and community initiatives. Garber praised Berg’s leadership qualities, noting his contributions to both LAFC and the broader league. “His integrity, judgment, collaborative leadership, and unwavering commitment to building LAFC and the league have made him an invaluable partner,” Garber said. As Berg prepares to assume the commissioner role, MLS faces several challenges, including implementing a new competition calendar aligned with global leagues, revising player squad rules, negotiating future media rights, and entering into a new collective bargaining agreement. The league also aims to expand its presence across the United States and Canada, building on the infrastructure developed during Garber’s 27-year tenure, which saw the league grow from 10 to 30 teams and the construction of 26 soccer-specific stadiums. Berg is scheduled to be officially introduced at MLS headquarters in Manhattan on Tuesday, marking the start of a new phase for the league as it looks to capitalize on the momentum generated by the upcoming World Cup.