Here is the latest update from the ongoing FIFA World Cup as of 2026-08-04 23:37:00.
MLS Welcomes New Commissioner Larry Berg
Incoming Major League Soccer (MLS) commissioner Larry Berg has expressed his enthusiasm for leading the North American league into a fresh chapter. MLS announced on Monday that Berg, co-owner of LAFC, will officially take over as commissioner at the start of the new year.
Current commissioner Don Garber will continue in his role through the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, after which he will transition to league chairman in 2027. “The foundation has been built,” Berg noted, adding, “It’s our responsibility to build on it, and that’s what excites me most.”
Berg, 60, who has held the position of co-chair of the MLS sporting and competition committee, will divest his ownership interest in LAFC following his formal introduction at the league’s New York headquarters on Tuesday. He received the required two-thirds of votes from team owners to secure the position.
“My first priority will be listening,” Berg emphasized. He plans to engage with owners, players, coaches, fans, and commercial partners in the coming months. “Every one of them has a perspective that matters,” he stated.
Under Garber’s leadership, MLS expanded from 12 to 30 teams and established initiatives like Soccer United Marketing, sports-specific stadiums, and player development academies. This growth has set the stage for Berg to take the league into its next era.
One of his challenges will be overseeing the league’s shift to a new calendar, transitioning from a late winter to late fall schedule to align more closely with international counterparts. This adjustment is set to take place after a shortened 14-game “sprint season” in early 2027.
Berg also aims to place greater emphasis on youth development and enhancing the overall quality of play. When asked about the potential for promotion and relegation in MLS, he dismissed the concept, stating, “I don’t think it’s a great way to build a league.”
Garber, who has been at the helm since 1999, expressed confidence in Berg’s leadership, stating, “This is not a time to look back but to focus on the future.” He praised the excitement generated by the previous summer’s World Cup, reinforcing that this is an optimal time for new leadership.
FAQs
Who is the new MLS commissioner?
Larry Berg, co-owner of LAFC, is set to take over as the new MLS commissioner starting next year.
What changes will occur under Berg’s leadership?
Berg aims to align the league’s calendar with international soccer and emphasize youth development and quality of play.
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- Source: www.espn.com – SOCCER
- Published: 2026-08-04 23:37:00
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Tags: #MLS #commissioner #Berg #League #ready #chapter
Tags: #MLS #commissioner #Berg #League #ready #chapter
