Larry Berg Named New MLS Commissioner

Los Angeles FC co-owner Larry Berg has been selected as the next commissioner of Major League Soccer (MLS). MLS owners voted for Berg, hoping he will guide the league toward greater prominence among American sports fans and international soccer leagues.

Berg will officially take over as the first new MLS commissioner in 27 years on January 1, 2027, after a transition period with outgoing commissioner Don Garber. Garber’s tenure saw the league grow from a struggling 10-team entity to its current mature state. Now, each team boasts its own soccer-specific stadiums and youth academies.

I’ve experienced this sport as a player, a fan, and owner, and now with tremendous humility as commissioner. Every one of those experiences has reinforced the same belief: The future of Major League Soccer has never been brighter.

Berg expressed these sentiments at an introductory press conference. The shift in leadership comes at a crucial time for MLS. The league is aiming for increased attendance and viewership following the FIFA World Cup in North America. Next year, MLS will adopt a summer-to-spring schedule to match Europe’s professional leagues.

Challenges loom, such as upcoming labor negotiations and the expiration of the current media rights deal with Apple TV in 2029. To fill the role, around 125 candidates were reviewed before MLS owners settled on Berg. His experience in private equity, along with his successful tenure at LAFC, made him an appealing choice.

Who is Larry Berg?

Berg is primarily recognized for his co-ownership of Los Angeles FC, a team that debuted in 2018 and quickly became one of the league’s top franchises. Under Berg’s co-leadership, the team secured an MLS Cup, a U.S. Open Cup, and twice finished as the league’s top regular-season team.

Berg also served as co-chair of the league’s Sporting and Competition Committee, responsible for rule changes like the upcoming calendar switch. His approach was considered modern and forward-thinking by outgoing commissioner Garber.

What is his background?

Berg, aged 60, started playing soccer at age eight in his hometown of Cherry Hill, New Jersey. He was a successful high school soccer player and competed against future Sporting KC head coach Peter Vermes.

Berg studied economics and business at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and Harvard University. His professional career in private equity led him to become a senior partner at Apollo Global Management, one of the world’s largest private equity firms.

Berg plans to divest his ownership stake in LAFC to assume the commissioner role. He believes his background in private equity will offer advantages in his new position, focusing on urgency and collaboration to achieve common goals.

What is Berg’s vision for MLS?

In 2020, Berg confidently projected that MLS would surpass baseball and hockey, becoming the third most popular sport in the U.S., following football and basketball. On Tuesday, Berg reaffirmed his belief in this vision.

A recent Gallup poll ranked soccer in the middle among various sports in terms of fan interest. Berg stressed that improving the quality of the game on the field is the league’s top priority. He believes increased transfer revenues and media funds will enhance the product, creating a positive cycle for the league.

What are the big challenges ahead?

MLS faces discussions about the league’s current roster rules and spending limitations. Owners are eager to simplify regulations and allow for increased spending. These changes will likely involve negotiation with the MLS players’ union, whose current contract expires on January 31, 2028.

The league’s media rights deal with Apple TV is another significant focus. Currently, MLS earns around $250 million annually from Apple TV. Berg believes this figure could increase with the right media partnerships. He suggested that co-creating with media partners could bring mutual benefits.

What does he think about promotion and relegation?

Promotion and relegation, a system popular in European soccer, has its advocates among vocal fans. However, most investors and team owners oppose the idea due to the financial risks associated with relegation. Berg addressed the issue on Tuesday, stating that he does not see it as beneficial for the league’s growth or infrastructure development.