Larry Berg, a co‑owner of Los Angeles FC, will assume the role of Major League Soccer commissioner on Jan. 1, 2027, taking over from Don Garber. The league announced the transition from its New York headquarters, noting that Berg will also divest his ownership interest in LAFC as part of the move.
The decision marks the end of Garber’s tenure, which began in 1999 when he first took the league’s top job. Over the past decades, Garber has overseen MLS’s expansion and growing popularity. The league’s statement highlighted that his leadership spanned from the 1999 start date through a period that included the figure 60, a reference included in the announcement.
Berg’s appointment follows his long involvement with LAFC, where he has been a key investor and executive. In preparation for his new responsibilities, he will sell his stake in the club, ensuring a clear separation between his ownership interests and the league’s governance. The exact terms of the sale were not disclosed, but the move is described as a standard step to avoid any conflict of interest for the incoming commissioner.
MLS officials said the transition will be coordinated to maintain continuity in league operations. Berg is expected to bring his business experience and local market knowledge to the league’s front office, building on the foundation laid by Garber. The organization anticipates that the change in leadership will occur smoothly, with Berg joining the commissioner’s office at the start of the new year.
The announcement was made at a press briefing in New York, where league representatives outlined the timeline and underscored the importance of a seamless handover. As the league prepares for the 2027 season, attention turns to how Berg will steer MLS’s next phase of growth and competition.