Here is the latest update from the 2026 FIFA World Cup as of 2026-07-18 00:15:00.
The race to find a successor for Don Garber as MLS commissioner has narrowed to three notable candidates. They include Larry Berg, co-owner of LAFC, Paraag Marathe, president of 49ers Enterprises, and David Nathanson, a former executive at Fox Sports. The information was confirmed by a reliable source to ESPN.
All three finalists are expected to be present at the MLS All-Star Game, which will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, on July 29. However, no announcement regarding the new commissioner is anticipated at that event.
Background on the Candidates
Garber, who is 68 years old, has held the position of MLS commissioner since August 1999. During his tenure, the league has seen remarkable expansion, growing from 12 to a total of 30 teams, with team valuations currently averaging $731 million, based on Forbes data.
MLS issued a statement to ESPN, noting that the Board of Governors has been thoroughly engaged in planning for Garber’s succession. “A number of highly qualified individuals have been considered,” the league stated. The MLS Succession Committee is actively working alongside the Commissioner and the Board during this transition.
In February, MLS announced that the recruitment process would be led by Korn Ferry, a prominent search firm. Garber’s contract is set to expire at the end of 2027, which coincides with a pivotal moment for the league—the beginning of a new summer/spring season format.
Industry Experience of the Candidates
Earlier this year, Garber established a Succession Committee co-chaired by LAFC’s managing owner Bennett Rosenthal and Jimmy Haslam, the chairman of Haslam Sports Group. Both Berg and Marathe have considerable experience in sports; Berg has been with LAFC since its inception in 2018, serving as its managing owner for four years. Marathe is not only the chairman of English Premier League club Leeds United but has also been with the 49ers organization for 25 years.
David Nathanson brings his own notable background, having spent eight years at Fox, including a position as executive vice president and general manager of Fox Soccer. Additionally, he is a board member of the U.S. Soccer Foundation, a founding investor in NWSL team Angel City FC, and co-owner of the MLS team Seattle Sounders FC.
Whoever is appointed as the new commissioner will face various challenges, including negotiating a new TV deal ahead of the expiration of the current partnership with Apple at the end of 2029. Moreover, the collective bargaining agreement with the MLS Players Association is set to lapse on January 31, 2028.
The news was initially reported by Sportico and Puck. It’s noteworthy that MLS resumed activities on July 16 after a break during the FIFA World Cup 2026 hosted in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
FAQs
Who are the final candidates for MLS commissioner?
Larry Berg, Paraag Marathe, and David Nathanson are the three finalists to succeed Don Garber as MLS commissioner.
When will the new commissioner be announced?
No official announcement is expected at the MLS All-Star Game on July 29 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Key Facts
- Category:
- Source: www.espn.com – SOCCER
- Published: 2026-07-18 00:15:00
Read more on the FIFA World Cup 2026 right here as the tournament continues.
Tags: #Source #MLS #names #replace #commissioner #Garber
Tags: #Source #MLS #names #replace #commissioner #Garber
