MLS Owners Launch Bold Move to Oust League Commissioner—Exclusive Report

Don Garber has held the position of Major League Soccer's commissioner since 1999, though his leadership tenure may be approaching its conclusion as MLS ownership groups have allegedly begun implementing his succession strategy.

Prior to the Board of Governors assembly where significant modifications to the league's structure were revealed last week, MLS ownership convened to deliberate Garber's potential succession blueprint, according to the Sports Business Journal.

The continuous expansion MLS has witnessed during Garber's more than two decades as commissioner is unmistakable. What was once considered nearly an experimental competition has transformed into one of the most robust leagues on this side of the Atlantic, consistently drawing an increasing number of the globe's elite players.

Nevertheless, based on the report, a leadership transition might be rapidly approaching. MLS Deputy Commissioner and Garber's trusted lieutenant for over a decade, Gary Stevenson has already announced his intention to step down after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Garber's existing agreement extends through 2027, the year MLS's highly acclaimed calendar modification will take effect. Yet, there has been complete silence concerning Garber's possible contract extension. Currently, Garber holds the position as the second longest-serving commissioner among major American sports leagues.

Longest Tenures of Active Commissioners in U.S. Sports

MLS 3.0 Could Be Don Garber's Final Act As MLS Commissioner

Witnessing his personally branded MLS 3.0 initiative fully implemented could serve as Garber's farewell performance as well as his enduring contribution.

Embracing the schedule format of Europe's premier leagues represented the initial phase of Garber's ambitious MLS restructuring vision.

The two remaining components involve: transforming the MLS regular season and playoff structure, then modernizing MLS's player acquisition approach to rival the world's elite competitions. The final element is, according to The Athletic, the most crucial of the three phases.

Whether Garber's MLS 3.0 vision materializes remains uncertain. He's progressing positively, but there's no assurance he'll remain in position to witness its complete implementation.

Stevenson, however, expresses confidence that MLS 3.0 will come to fruition in statements he provided to SBJ: "Over the next eight months, we're going to finalize MLS 3.0 so that when I depart, and I believe when [Garber] departs, it'll be positioned for the next leadership team to advance and develop it further."

Should his predictions prove accurate, then both he and Garber could indeed be architects of the most significant transformation in MLS history.