Major League Soccer is turning the page on a new era. On Monday, the league announced that Larry Berg, the co-owner of Los Angeles FC, will become its next commissioner, effective January 1, 2027. He will replace Don Garber, who has served as the league's top executive since 1999 and will move into the chairman role after the 2026 season concludes.

Berg, 60, is set to formally step into the position at the start of the new year, but the transition process begins immediately. He will be introduced to the public at MLS headquarters in New York on Tuesday, where he will outline his vision for the league. As part of the handover, Berg will divest his ownership interest in LAFC, the club he helped build into a powerhouse.

“I'm honored to lead Major League Soccer into its next era,” Berg said in a 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.”

Garber’s tenure has been defined by explosive growth. When he took over, MLS had 12 teams and was struggling for relevance. Today, it boasts 29 clubs, with new franchises in San Diego and Las Vegas on the horizon. The league has also secured lucrative broadcast deals and attracted global stars like Lionel Messi, whose $28.3 million salary in 2026 made him the highest-paid player in MLS. The timing of Berg’s appointment aligns with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, offering a rare springboard for soccer’s profile in North America.

Garber expressed full confidence in his successor. “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 a 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.”

Berg’s soccer pedigree extends beyond LAFC. He previously held ownership stakes in Serie A club AS Roma and Welsh side Swansea City AFC, giving him a deep understanding of both the European and American soccer landscapes. Under his guidance, LAFC claimed the MLS Cup in 2022 and the Supporters' Shield in 2019, establishing itself as one of the league's most successful and ambitious clubs.

The announcement was made via the league's official social media channels, with a video message introducing Berg. The post read: “Introducing the next MLS Commissioner: Larry Berg. Berg will assume the role on January 1, 2027 — Don Garber will remain Commissioner through 2026 before transitioning to Chairman in 2027.”

As MLS prepares to enter a new decade, the league faces significant challenges and opportunities. The level of play has improved dramatically, as noted by U.S. international Tim Ream in a recent interview. Having played in MLS, the Premier League, and for the USMNT, Ream credited the league's investment in youth development and infrastructure for raising the standard since his draft in 2010. The World Cup, combined with a new commissioner, could mark a turning point for American soccer’s place in the global game.

Berg’s appointment signals continuity with a fresh perspective. While Garber will remain as chairman to provide institutional knowledge, Berg will have the autonomy to chart his own course. The coming years will test whether MLS can sustain its upward trajectory and truly compete on the world stage.