New MLS commissioner Larry Berg aims to continue the league’s growth trajectory

Incoming Major League Soccer Commissioner Larry Berg sees his role as continuing the trajectory of the league under his soon-to-be predecessor, Don Garber. The 30-team league that Graber grew during his 27-year tenure now looks to Berg to capitalize on the success of the World Cup this past summer and guide the transition to a new international schedule next year. “I think one of the reasons that I raised my hand is I feel like I have the enthusiasm and the passion to hopefully have other people, in some cases, see it through my eyes and understand where we’re going and where it can go and what what it can be,” Berg told The Associated Press.

”I’m very proud of where we already are. I think we’ve come a very, very long way.” Berg, a co-owner of LAFC, will formally take over as commissioner at the start of next year. Garber, who has served as the league’s commissioner since 1999, will help guide the transition before moving into a new role as chairman.

Garber said the ideal candidate would unite the entire MLS ecosystem around a shared vision. And he believes the league will have that under Berg, who will become just the third commissioner in the history of the league. “I think he’s convinced the ownership through a very comprehensive process that he has what it takes to do the two most important things, which is to create that vision, and then to get the owners to unite around it,” Garber said.

“That requires great relationships. It requires the capability to put the plan together and do the work. He leads with understanding perspectives, and I think that’s a super important part of being the commissioner.” The 60-year-old Berg, who has served as co-chair of the MLS sporting and competition committee, will divest his ownership interest in LAFC.

He was formally introduced as the incoming commissioner on Tuesday at the league’s New York headquarters, a day after he received the required two-thirds of the votes from the owners. “First of all, he loves soccer, and I think next to his family, soccer is the most important thing in his life. Second of all, he knows the league really well.

We have 30 great owners, and all of them are very involved in the league. But Larry is, I think it’s safe to say, has been over the last five years the most involved owner,” Columbus Crew owner Jimmy Haslam said.