Larry Berg of LAFC Appointed New MLS Commissioner, Replacing Garber

WHO:

Orlando Sentinel - Larry Berg is 60 years old.

Orlando Sentinel - Larry Berg, co-owner of Los Angeles FC, will be the next commissioner of Major League Soccer (MLS).

Orlando Sentinel - Don Garber has served as MLS commissioner since 1999.

Orlando Sentinel - Garber will transition to chairman of the league after the end of the 2026 season.

WHAT:

Orlando Sentinel - Berg previously held ownership stakes in Serie A club AS Roma and Swansea City AFC in Wales.

Orlando Sentinel - Five clubs, including Inter Miami, LAFC, LA Galaxy, Atlanta United, and NYCFC, are valued at over $1 billion, according to Forbes.

Orlando Sentinel - Berg will officially take over as commissioner at the start of the new year.

Orlando Sentinel - Berg will divest his ownership interest in LAFC.

Orlando Sentinel - Berg stated, “I’m honored to lead Major League Soccer into its next era.”

Orlando Sentinel - Under Berg’s ownership, LAFC won the MLS Cup in 2022 and the Supporters’ Shield in 2019.

Orlando Sentinel - MLS will play a shortened 14-game “sprint season” in early 2027 before switching to a new schedule.

Orlando Sentinel - The new MLS season will kick off in July, with the league championship to be played in May 2028.

WHERE:

Orlando Sentinel - Berg will be officially introduced at MLS headquarters in New York.

WHEN:

Orlando Sentinel - Berg will take over as commissioner at the start of the new year.

Orlando Sentinel - The league championship will be played in May 2028.

WHY:

Orlando Sentinel - Garber expressed confidence in Berg’s leadership qualities, stating he is “the right person to serve as Major League Soccer’s next commissioner.”

Orlando Sentinel - The league aims to capitalize on the momentum of the 2026 World Cup.

HOW:

Orlando Sentinel - MLS owners voted on their next commissioner in New York on Monday.

Orlando Sentinel - MLS owners voted on their next commissioner in New York.

Larry Berg, who is 60 years old, has previously held ownership stakes in Serie A club AS Roma and Swansea City AFC in Wales. In a recent report, Forbes revealed that five Major League Soccer clubs, including Inter Miami, LAFC, LA Galaxy, Atlanta United, and NYCFC, are valued at over $1 billion. Additionally, MLS owners gathered in New York on Monday to vote on their next commissioner.