Who is Larry Berg? The MLS owner who will replace Don Garber as league commissioner
After nearly three decades as Major League Soccer commissioner, Don Garber is to be replaced by Larry Berg next year.
Larry Berg, a co-managing owner at Los Angeles FC, has been picked to succeed Don Garber as the commissioner of Major League Soccer (MLS).
When will Berg take over from Garber?
Berg, who will be officially unveiled as the next commissioner in New York on Tuesday, was voted in as MLS’s new chief during a meeting of the league’s board of governors on Monday.
The 60-year-old will take over from Garber on January 1, 2027, with the current commissioner moving into the role of chairman, the league said in a statement.
Garber, 68, has headed up MLS since replacing Doug Logan, the competition’s inaugural commissioner, in 1999. Before stepping into Garber’s shoes, Berg must divest his ownership stake in LAFC, MLS said, “to ensure he leads the league and its 30 clubs with full impartiality”.
Berg “honored” to succeed Garber
“I’m honored to lead Major League Soccer into its next era,” Berg said. “Thanks to the vision and commitment of so many people, Major League Soccer has achieved tremendous success, but I believe our greatest opportunities are still ahead.
“We have an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen the quality of our competition, develop more world-class players, deepen our connection with supporters, and continue elevating Major League Soccer’s place in the global game. Together with our owners, clubs, players, partners, supporters, and league staff, I could not be more excited for what comes next.”
Finance and football
Berg, a senior partner at the investment firm 26North, has been a co-managing owner at LAFC since 2016. In his time at the Californian franchise, Berg has overseen the team’s 2018 MLS debut, followed by the Black and Gold’s maiden league title five seasons later, in a thrilling MLS Cup final win over Philadelphia Union. LAFC also lifted the U.S. Open Cup in 2024.
Berg has also been part of the ownership groups at the Italian club A.S. Roma, and the Welsh team Swansea City, which plays in the second tier of the English league pyramid.
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