A New Era for American Soccer
Don Garber built a solid foundation over 27 years. Now Larry Berg steps in to push Major League Soccer even further. Berg, the 60-year-old co-owner of LAFC, will take the top job on January 1, 2027. He told a room full of league staff that the current state of things isn’t enough. “Status quo is not an option,” Berg said. This is a clear message to owners, fans, and players. The league wants to grow, and it wants to grow fast.
Berg has the full support of the 30 team owners. They voted unanimously to pick him over other candidates. His background in private equity and team ownership makes him a unique choice. He knows how to build value from the ground up. Under his watch, LAFC won the MLS Cup in 2022 and the Supporters’ Shield in 2019. Now he brings that same drive to the entire league.
More Money, Better Players
The numbers show where the league stands today. MLS teams are worth a lot more than they were a few years ago. The average franchise is now valued at $767 million. That is a 39% jump since 2021. Seven of the top 30 soccer clubs in the world are now MLS teams. Sponsorship revenue hit an estimated $716 million in 2025. But Berg wants to make these figures much bigger.
Right now, the salary cap sits at $6.4 million. Most teams spend between $12 million and $21 million thanks to special rules. Berg says this system holds teams back. He plans to change how teams invest in their rosters. He wants to give clubs more freedom to sign better players. Berg noted that if he does that well, the league will see more transfer revenues and more media money as the product grows more attractive.
The league also plans to update its TV deal. The current contract with Apple pays $250 million a year. It runs until after the 2029 season. Berg says the league will start talking about a new deal in 12 to 18 months. The goal is to double the broadcast money. Berg pointed out that the league is looking for partners who want to co-create the future and is tasked with selling the vision of what MLS can be.
This shift is about more than just business stats. It’s about the quality of the game your children watch. A better roster model means better players on the field. It means more excitement at the stadium. For families who love soccer, this is a big win. The league is moving to a fall-to-spring schedule in 2027. This aligns with European leagues and should raise the level of play.
Berg understands that passion drives this sport. He has spent decades in soccer, owning teams in the U.S., Italy, and Wales. He knows what fans want. Berg told The Associated Press that he raised his hand because he feels he has the enthusiasm and the passion to help others see where the league is going and what it can be.
Don Garber, the outgoing commissioner, sees Berg as the right leader. Garber said Berg has the skill to unite all 30 owners around one plan. Garber noted that Berg is super smart, doesn’t lead with ego, and leads with understanding perspectives. This kind of leadership is rare. It suggests that the league will move forward without the internal fighting that can stall progress. Berg’s plan to sell the future is exactly what a growing league needs.
The Road Ahead
Changes are coming fast. The league will officially switch to the new calendar next year. Berg will formally take the helm on January 1, 2027. Before he starts, he must sell his ownership stake in LAFC. This step ensures he can focus fully on the job. The next major milestone is the start of new TV negotiations. That process begins in 12 to 18 months.
For now, the message is clear. The league won’t stand still. Berg is ready to work with clubs and owners to build on the foundation Garber left. Berg said his responsibility is to work with the clubs, owners, and everyone across the league to build on that foundation to help Major League Soccer reach its full potential. American soccer is ready for the next chapter.
