Larry Berg, the co-managing owner of LAFC, has been selected as the next commissioner of Major League Soccer, the league announced Monday.
Berg was chosen following a closed-door vote among MLS owners, defeating the other finalist, former Fox executive David Nathanson, for the role.
Both Berg and Nathanson made final presentations to team owners before the vote concluded, with Berg winning by a two-thirds supermajority, per multiple reports.
Berg will officially assume the commissioner’s role on January 1, 2027, taking over from Don Garber, who has held the position since 1999.
Garber will remain as commissioner through the 2026 season before transitioning to the role of league chairman in 2027, ensuring continuity in leadership.
Berg is listed alongside Bennett Rosenthal and Brandon Beck as a co-managing owner of LAFC, though he will reportedly be required to sell his stake in the club upon taking the job.
LAFC, valued at $1.32 billion according to Forbes, has been one of MLS’s most successful franchises since launching its first season in 2018.
The Los Angeles club has claimed two Supporters’ Shields and an MLS Championship during its relatively short history in the league.
Berg brings an extensive business background to the role, having spent 30 years as a senior partner at Apollo Global Management before joining Josh Harris-founded investment firm 26North in 2023.
He was also formerly the chairman of McGraw-Hill Education, adding further leadership experience to an already impressive resume.
Berg served as LAFC’s managing owner for four years and has been part of the club’s ownership structure since its inception in 2018.
With his appointment, Berg becomes only the third commissioner in MLS history, following Doug Logan and Don Garber, who took over in August 1999 after 16 years as an NFL executive.
In his 27 years leading the league, Garber oversaw its expansion from 10 teams to 30, with collective valuations growing to $23 billion ahead of this season.
Berg faces an eventful start to his tenure, with his first full season as commissioner coinciding with a shortened 2027 “sprint season” designed to accommodate a significant calendar change.
Beyond the scheduling transition, Berg will also be responsible for negotiating a lucrative new media rights deal, as MLS’s current agreement with Apple TV expires in 2029.
