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LAFC Billionaire Larry Berg Takes Reins as MLS Commissioner
Larry Berg Named Next MLS Commissioner: What This Means for Soccer in America
The Big News in Simple Terms
Imagine your favorite soccer league is like a big school. For 25 years, the same principal (Don Garber) has been in charge. Now, a new principal (Larry Berg) has been picked to take over next year. This is a really big deal for soccer in the United States and Canada!
IMPORTANT POINT: Larry Berg will officially become the commissioner of Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2025, taking over from Don Garber who has led the league since 1999.
Who Is Larry Berg?
Larry Berg isn’t new to the soccer world. Here’s what you should know about him:
- Current Role: Co-owner of Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) — one of MLS’s most successful teams
- Business Background: Former senior partner at Apollo Global Management (a huge investment company)
- Immediate Change: He must sell his ownership stake in LAFC before becoming commissioner (you can’t referee a game if you own one of the teams!)
The Legacy He’s Inheriting: Don Garber’s 25-Year Journey
Don Garber has been commissioner since 1999 — that’s a quarter of a century! Here’s what he built:
| When Garber Started (1999) | Where MLS Is Now (2024) |
|---|---|
| Struggling startup league | Multibillion-dollar sports business |
| Few teams, low attendance | 29 teams across US & Canada |
| Financial instability | 7 of world’s top 30 most valuable soccer clubs |
| No major TV deals | Global media partnerships (including Apple) |
FUN FACT: According to CNBC’s 2026 valuations, Inter Miami (Lionel Messi’s team) is worth $1.6 billion — making it the most valuable MLS franchise!
Berg’s To-Do List: The Big Challenges Ahead
Being commissioner isn’t just about cutting ribbons. Berg has two massive tasks waiting on his desk:
1. New Player Contract Agreement (CBA)
- Current deal expires: January 2028
- What this means: Berg must negotiate salaries, benefits, and rules with the players’ union
- Why it’s tricky: Players want more money/freedom; owners want cost control
2. Next Media Rights Deal
- Current deal: With Apple (expires after 2028-2029 season)
- What’s at stake: Billions of dollars in TV/streaming revenue
- Competition: Other leagues (NFL, NBA, Premier League) fighting for same dollars
What Happens Next? A Timeline
- 2024 (Now): Announcement made, transition planning begins
- 2025: Berg officially takes over as commissioner
- Through 2027: Garber stays as "emeritus" advisor (like a wise grandparent helping out)
- January 2028: Current player contract (CBA) expires — Berg’s first huge test
- After 2028-2029 season: Apple media deal ends — Berg’s second huge test
Why Should You Care? (Even If You’re Not a Die-Hard Fan)
- Local economy: MLS teams bring jobs, tourism, and community pride to cities
- Youth soccer: League growth means better academies for kids dreaming of going pro
- Global respect: A stronger MLS attracts world-class players (like Messi, Suárez, Busquets)
- Business model: How MLS handles these negotiations sets examples for other growing leagues worldwide
Summary: The Key Takeaways
QUICK RECAP:
- Larry Berg (LAFC co-owner, finance veteran) = Next MLS Commissioner
- Don Garber (25-year legend) = Advisor through 2027
- Berg must sell LAFC stake = No conflict of interest
- Two massive deadlines: Player contract (Jan 2028) & Media rights (post-2029)
- MLS is booming: 7 teams in world’s top 30 most valuable clubs
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Will this change how my local team plays?
Not directly. The commissioner sets league-wide rules and strategy, but your team’s coach decides tactics and lineups.
Why does Berg have to sell his LAFC share?
Conflict of interest. A commissioner must be neutral — favoring all 29 teams equally, not just one he owns.
What’s a "Collective Bargaining Agreement" (CBA)?
Think of it as the rulebook for player salaries, free agency, health benefits, and working conditions — negotiated between the league and the players’ union.
Why is the Apple deal important?
Money & exposure. Media rights deals fund player salaries, stadiums, and youth development. They also determine how easily fans can watch games.
Could Berg’s finance background change MLS?
Possibly. His Apollo experience suggests he’ll focus on business growth, investments, and long-term financial stability — which could mean new expansion teams, better facilities, or innovative revenue streams.
The beautiful game in North America just got a new captain. Whether you’re a season ticket holder or just soccer-curious, the next few years will shape the league for decades to come. Keep an eye on those 2028 deadlines — that’s when the real games begin!
