Major League Soccer has defined who will lead the league starting in 2027. Larry Berg, founder and managing co-owner of the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC), was chosen as the next commissioner and will take office on January 1 of that year, as officially announced by the MLS.

The appointment occurred after a succession process led by the league's Board of Governors and accompanied by the firms Korn Ferry, CAA and The Miles Group. Berg will be officially presented on August 4 at MLS headquarters in Midtown Manhattan.

The change marks the beginning of a phased transition. Don Garber will continue as commissioner through the end of 2026 and will become league president in 2027.

“It is an honor to lead Major League Soccer into its next era,” said Berg. “We have an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen the quality of our competition, develop more world-class players, deepen our connection with fans and continue to elevate Major League Soccer's place in global soccer.”

MLS explained that Berg was selected for his combination of business experience, soccer knowledge and track record in league governance.

A key transition for MLS after the 2026 World Cup

Berg's arrival coincides with a period that MLS itself considers especially relevant after the momentum generated by the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Among the issues he will have to manage are the new competitive calendar scheduled for 2027, the evolution of the salary model, the opening of more soccer-specific stadiums, future negotiations for audiovisual rights and a new collective agreement with the players.

Jimmy Haslam, co-chairman of the succession committee, said Berg was the right candidate for this moment. “His deep knowledge of our league, his lifelong connection to the game, his global perspective and his proven leadership make him the right person to build on the momentum of MLS,” he said.

Berg has also participated in AS Roma in Italy and Swansea City in Wales, experiences that, according to the MLS, reinforced his international vision of the soccer business.

To assume the position, the leader must give up his participation in LAFC through the transition mechanism provided by the league, with the aim of guaranteeing impartiality towards the 30 clubs.

From LAFC's growth to league-wide leadership

At LAFC, Berg was part of the group that turned the club into one of the most prominent organizations in North American soccer. During his management, the team won the MLS Cup in 2022 and the Supporters' Shield in 2019 and 2022, in addition to promoting the development of BMO Stadium.

The Los Angeles club publicly expressed its support for the appointment. “We are immensely proud to see Larry assume this role,” LAFC said in a statement.

Before dedicating himself fully to football, Berg had an extensive career in the private equity sector. He was a partner at Apollo Global Management until 2022 and subsequently continued his investment activity in 26North.

Don Garber, who led MLS for 27 years, highlighted the working relationship maintained with Berg over the last decade and assured that he will collaborate closely with him during the transition period.

MLS noted that under Garber, the league grew from 10 to 30 clubs and consolidated much of the infrastructure that currently supports the growth of professional soccer in the United States and Canada.

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