ไทย
English
中國人
The Major League Soccer board of governors convened a private meeting at the league's midtown Manhattan offices on Monday, subsequently voting LAFC co-managing owner Larry Berg as Don Garber's successor and the third commissioner in MLS history.
Berg, 60, will be formally introduced on Tuesday. Garber, 68, will depart at the close of the calendar year after nearly three decades leading the league, with Berg slated to take over on Jan. 1. Berg secured the necessary two-thirds supermajority to succeed Garber, edging out the other finalist, David Nathanson, a former Fox Sports executive.
Berg will be responsible for steering the league into its new chapter, one shaped by high-profile star power and an upcoming shift to the more conventional summer-to-spring schedule. He will also be charged with ensuring the domestic league fully capitalizes on a wildly successful World Cup hosted across North America this summer. To that end, MLS has already launched its biggest-ever post-World Cup marketing initiative, dubbed "Thanks World, We'll Take It From Here."
"I'm honored to lead Major League Soccer into its next era," Berg said in a league statement. "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."
Who Is Larry Berg?
Berg initially joined expansion club LAFC in 2014 as a limited partner before ascending to co-managing owner in 2016, a full two years before the team made its on-field debut. He has been part of the Los Angeles organization throughout its remarkably successful tenure, claiming an MLS Cup in 2022, the U.S. Open Cup in 2024, and two Supporters' Shields (2019, 2022). Berg will be required to divest his ownership stake in LAFC, however, in accordance with MLS policy, to ensure impartial leadership of the league.
Berg also currently serves as co-chair of MLS's Sporting and Competition Committee, a body responsible for shaping the league's growth strategy, competitive direction, and overall on-field product.
"Having worked closely with Larry over the past decade, I've seen firsthand the qualities that make him an exceptional leader, and I have complete confidence he is the right person to serve as Major League Soccer's next Commissioner," Garber said in the statement. "His integrity, judgment, collaborative leadership, and unwavering commitment to building LAFC and the league have made him an invaluable partner. I look forward to working alongside Larry during this transition and supporting him as he leads MLS into its next chapter."
Beyond his ownership role at LAFC, Berg has also held stakes in Serie A club AS Roma and Welsh side Swansea City AFC of the EFL Championship. He spent over three decades as a private equity professional, previously serving as a senior partner at Apollo Global Management and currently holding a senior partner position at 26North.