Who is Larry Berg, Major League Soccer's next commissioner : NPR
NPR • • sports
Key Points:
- Major League Soccer owners have selected Los Angeles F.C. co-owner Larry Berg as the next commissioner, set to take over on January 1, 2027, succeeding Don Garber after a transition period.
- Berg, with a background in private equity and co-ownership of LAFC since its founding in 2014, is recognized for his modern and forward-thinking approach to the sport and league operations.
- MLS is undergoing significant changes, including a calendar shift to align with European leagues, upcoming labor negotiations, and the expiration of the current media rights deal with Apple TV in 2029.
- Berg envisions MLS becoming the third most popular sport in the U.S., focusing on improving on-field quality, player development, club strength, and international success to grow the league’s fanbase and revenue.
- On the topic of promotion and relegation, Berg expressed skepticism, stating it is unlikely to happen soon due to concerns about investment security and infrastructure development within the league.
