MLS owners appoint Berg next commissioner

Major League Soccer (MLS) owners have voted to appoint Larry Berg, a co-owner of Los Angeles FC (LAFC) and a private equity executive, as the league's next commissioner. Berg is set to succeed Don Garber, who has held the position for nearly three decades.

Berg brings extensive financial expertise to the role, holding an MBA from Harvard Business School and possessing 30 years of experience at Apollo Global Management. He has been an owner of LAFC since 2018, giving him an insider's perspective on MLS operations. Berg will sell his stake in the team before assuming his new responsibilities.

Garber, 68, has been commissioner since August 1999, making his tenure one of the longest among major U.S. sports leagues. He will continue in his role through the end of 2026 before transitioning to chairman in 2027. The league established a succession committee in 2025, led by LAFC co-owner Bennett Rosenthal and Columbus Crew owner Jimmy Haslam, to manage the transition. Korn Ferry was engaged as a consultant to lead the search for candidates.