SOCCER: MLS names Larry Berg as next commissioner

LOS ANGELES — Major League Soccer (MLS) has appointed Los Angeles FC co-managing owner Larry Berg as its next commissioner, with the private equity executive set to succeed longtime commissioner Don Garber on Jan. 1, 2027.

The league announced Monday that Garber will continue serving as commissioner through the end of 2026 before transitioning to the role of chairman.

Berg was selected by the MLS Board of Governors following a succession process led by a committee of club owners. As part of the transition, the league said Berg will sell his ownership stake in Los Angeles FC to prevent any potential conflicts of interest.

"I'm honored to lead Major League Soccer into its next era," Berg said in a statement. "I believe our greatest opportunities are still ahead."

A founding co-managing owner of LAFC, Berg has also served as co-chair of the league's Sporting and Competition Committee. Since helping establish the club in 2018, he has overseen its rise to become one of MLS's top teams, highlighted by an MLS Cup championship in 2022 and Supporters' Shield titles in 2019 and 2022.

Berg will take over as commissioner during a significant period for the league following the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

MLS plans to introduce a new competition calendar in 2027 to better align with leading international leagues. The league is also expected to address key issues, including player roster regulations, future media rights agreements, and a new collective bargaining agreement.

"Larry Berg is the right leader for Major League Soccer's next chapter," Jimmy Haslam, co-chair of the MLS succession committee, said in a statement.

Beyond MLS, Berg has held ownership interests in Italian Serie A club AS Roma and Welsh side Swansea City. He spent more than 30 years in private equity, serving as a senior partner at Apollo Global Management until retiring in 2022, before joining investment firm 26North as a senior partner.

Garber will step down after serving as MLS commissioner for 27 years. During his tenure, the league expanded from 10 teams to 30 across the United States and Canada, while 26 soccer-specific stadiums were built.

Garber praised Berg's leadership and contributions to both LAFC and the league.

"His integrity, judgment, collaborative leadership, and unwavering commitment to building LAFC and the league have made him an invaluable partner," Garber said.

Berg is scheduled to be formally introduced at MLS headquarters in Manhattan on Tuesday. -Reporting by Rory CarrollEditing by Christian Radnedge/Reuters