Next MLS commissioner Berg targets quality improvement to build on World Cup excitement

In a bid to capitalize on the excitement generated by the 2026 World Cup, Major League Soccer's incoming commissioner Larry Berg has outlined his plans to enhance the quality of play and bolster the league's youth development initiatives. Berg, co-owner of LAFC and a private equity executive, has been appointed as the new commissioner, taking over from Don Garber.

Berg emphasized that converting the heightened interest surrounding the World Cup into sustained fan support should be the league's primary objective. He stressed that as fan engagement grows, so does the league's resources to improve on-field performance, creating a positive feedback loop. Berg highlighted the surge in ticket sales and television ratings following the tournament, which underscored the league's potential for growth.

One of Berg's key priorities is to ensure that MLS academies and MLS Next Pro, the developmental competition, serve as effective pathways to first-team soccer. He aims to give teenagers greater opportunities for regular playing time while strengthening the U.S. and Canadian national-team player pools. Berg believes MLS can differentiate itself from other North American and international sports leagues by providing young players with consistent playing time and nurturing talent pipelines.

Berg, 60, has a rich background in private equity, having spent over three decades in the industry as a senior partner at Apollo Global Management and later joining 26North. He sought to allay concerns among fans about the league's increasing involvement of private equity firms. Berg stressed that the private equity landscape has evolved significantly since his entry into the business 35 years ago, with funds now employing a spectrum of strategies and investment objectives.

He pointed to MLS's partnership with KKR in its second division as evidence of how capital can be utilized to support clubs in smaller markets, including through stadium development and municipal partnerships. Berg's experience with LAFC, where he co-created the club with fans by involving them in design decisions for supporter sections, safe-standing areas, and community initiatives, will be invaluable as he steps away from his ownership role.

Garber, who will retain the commissioner position until the end of the year before becoming chairman, praised Berg's appointment as reflective of the growing influence of business leaders and investors in the American soccer landscape.