08/03/26 04:39:00
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08/03 16:37 CDT Los Angeles FC co-owner Larry Berg will be the next
commissioner of the MLS, succeeding Don Garber
Los Angeles FC co-owner Larry Berg will be the next commissioner of the MLS,
succeeding Don Garber
By ANNE M. PETERSON & ANDREW DESTIN
AP Sports Writers
Larry Berg, co-owner of Los Angeles FC, will be the next commissioner of Major
League Soccer, the league announced Monday.
At the start of the new year, Berg will take over for Don Garber, who has
served as the league's commissioner since 1999.
The 60-year-old Berg, who will divest his ownership interest in LAFC, will be
officially introduced on Tuesday at MLS headquarters in New York.
"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.
"Together with our owners, clubs, players, partners, supporters, and league
staff, I could not be more excited for what comes next."
Garber will remain MLS commissioner through the end of the 2026 season before
taking over as chairman of the league. MLS has grown tremendously during
Garber's tenure, and hopes to capitalize on the momentum of the 2026 World Cup.
"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 previously held ownership stakes in Serie A club AS Roma, as well as
Swansea City AFC in Wales. Under Berg's ownership, LAFC won the MLS Cup in
2022, and the Supporters' Shield in 2019.
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