Larry Berg Appointed as Next MLS Commissioner

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Los Angeles FC co-owner Larry Berg will become the next commissioner of Major League Soccer, a decision made by MLS owners. They aim for Berg to guide the league to greater prominence both domestically and internationally. Berg will officially take over on January 1, 2027, following a transition period with outgoing commissioner Don Garber.

Don Garber’s Legacy

Don Garber’s tenure transformed MLS from a struggling 10-team league to a thriving entity with 23 soccer-specific stadiums and youth academies.

“I’ve experienced this sport as a player, a fan, and an owner. The future of Major League Soccer has never been brighter,” Berg stated during his introductory press conference.

MLS’s Strategic Moves

The league plans to change its season schedule to align with European soccer, starting next year. They aim to boost attendance and TV ratings following the FIFA World Cup hosted in North America. There are also important labor negotiations and media rights deals, expiring in 2029, to address.

Who is Larry Berg?

Larry Berg co-owns Los Angeles FC, a franchise known for its success, winning both an MLS Cup and a U.S. Open Cup. Berg has been involved with the league’s Sporting and Competition Committee, where he contributed to rule changes, like the calendar shift.

Berg grew up playing soccer in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and attended the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and Harvard University for his education. He built his career in private equity at Apollo Global Management.

Berg plans to divest his stake in LAFC to assume his new role as commissioner. He sees his background in private equity as beneficial in his upcoming duties.

Berg’s Vision for MLS

Berg aims for soccer, and MLS in particular, to surpass baseball and hockey in the U.S. He wants MLS to not only grow but improve in quality, enhancing competition and player development.

“We will have more transfer revenues, and we’ll have more media money. That’s my number one job,” Berg said.

Challenges Ahead

MLS faces challenges in negotiating new roster rules and spending limits, with the players’ union agreement set to expire in early 2028. A significant challenge involves increasing the current $250 million annual media rights deal with Apple TV.

Berg emphasized collaboration with media partners: “It’s about finding media partners that want to co-create the future with us.” He mentioned potentially adjusting conditions to benefit media partners.

Promotion and Relegation

Berg opposes adopting a promotion-relegation system like those in Europe, arguing it would hinder financial investments in the league and infrastructure development.