What You Need to Know
• Major League Soccer owners selected Larry Berg as the next commissioner, effective January 1, 2027.
• Berg will succeed Don Garber, who has served as commissioner for 27 years.
• The league is transitioning to a summer-to-spring schedule to align with European leagues.
Larry Berg, co-owner of Los Angeles Football Club, has been appointed as the next commissioner of Major League Soccer, with his official start date set for January 1, 2027. Berg will take over from Don Garber, who has held the position for 27 years, during which he transformed the league from a struggling 10-team organization into a robust entity with 23 soccer-specific stadiums. At a press conference, Berg expressed his belief that the future of Major League Soccer is promising, drawing from his extensive experience as a player, fan, and owner. The league is currently at a crucial juncture, preparing for changes in its season schedule and facing upcoming labor negotiations and media rights challenges.
Why It Matters
Larry Berg’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Major League Soccer as it seeks to enhance its visibility and attendance following the FIFA World Cup hosted in North America. The league’s shift to a summer-to-spring schedule aims to synchronize with European leagues, potentially increasing its competitiveness and audience engagement. The transition in leadership also coincides with significant upcoming challenges, including labor negotiations and the expiration of its media rights deal with Apple TV in 2029, which will be critical for the league’s financial future and growth.
Read the Full Story →
