RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 3 sourcesNEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 03: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Larry Berg poses for a portrait after being introduced as the next Commissioner of Major League Soccer on August 3, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/MLS via Getty Images)
MLS via Getty Images
By Michael Lewis
It's funny how life works out.
When he was eight years old while growing up in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, the father of Larry Berg saw a poster on a telephone pole about a new youth soccer league starting up.
"We basically had two teams," Larry said. "We played each other every weekend, and it grew from there. I fell in love with the game, and I learned about World Cups. I learned about the broader universe, and I became a student of the game. I became a fan of all the leagues that have been in the U.S. I certainly became a fan of the U.S. men's national team and ultimately a fan of Major League Soccer."
Today, he is more than a fan of MLS. He is the commissioner of the 30-team league.
Berg, 60, was introduced to the media at league headquarters in Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday as the successor to Don Garber, who will step down as commissioner after 27 years at the helm at the end of the year. He will become the third commissioner in league history. Doug Logan was the first, from 1996-99.
CHARLOTTE, NC - APRIL 13: The Major League Soccer logo before a match between Toronto FC and Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium on April 13, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Eston Parker/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
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Building on the league's foundation
Berg, who will divest his interest as co-owner of the Los Angeles Football Club, will be concerned with more than just one team. He has been charged with leading MLS in riding the wave that the 2026 FIFA World Cup created.
"The foundation has been built," he said. "Now it's our responsibility to build on it, and that's what excites me most.
"I didn't accept this role to protect what we've already accomplished. I accepted it because I believe this league is ready for its next chapter. I believe Major League Soccer has entered a new era. The foundation is strong. The opportunity is extraordinary, and I have complete confidence that working together will seize it."
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 19: Rodri of Spain celebrates by lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy with teammates after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Riding the World Cup wave
MLS must seize the opportunity for growth on the short and long term. The 1994 World Cup gave birth to the league. The 2026 World Cup can be a catalyst to boost it to an even higher orbit.
"The World Cup this summer reminded all of us why this sport captures the imagination of billions of people around the world. Millions of people across North America experienced that passion firsthand," Berg said. "They fell in love with the drama, the atmosphere, the supporter culture and the emotion that makes soccer unlike anything else.
"For many, it was also their first meaningful introduction to the global game, and that creates an extraordinary opportunity for all of us. The question isn't whether people are paying attention to soccer - they are. The question is what we do with this moment.
"Our responsibility now is to make sure the people discovering our league today become supporters for life. That means strengthening the connection between our clubs and their communities, creating unforgettable experiences for fans, and making sure the excitement generated this summer becomes lasting momentum for Major League Soccer."
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 01: Detail of the MLS and Apple TV badges in the New England Revolution jersey during the MLS match between New England Revolution and Columbus Crew at Gillette Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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Will Apple be the apple of MLS’ eye in 2030?
While many teams boast capacity crowds, MLS needs to boost its streaming ratings.
When its 10-year, $2.3 billion deal with Apple TV was announced in 2023, fans needed an MLS Season Pass subscription to view matches. In 2025, the deal was cut to 2029.
When the deal winds up in 2029, the league will have to decide whether to renew with Apple or pursue other opportunities.
The deal ends in 2029, leaving MLS to decide whether to renew with Apple or pursue other partners.
Berg said that the next deal will be “finding media partners that want to co-create the future with us.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 04: Larry Berg, the next Commissioner of Major League Soccer, looks on during an introductory press conference at MLS Offices on August 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/MLS via Getty Images)
MLS via Getty Images
Staying the course on promotion/relegation
MLS is one of the few leagues in the world that doesn't include promotion or relegation. And during Berg's reign, he doesn't expect that to change.
"I can understand the appeal for the fan, [but] I don't think it's a great way to build a league," Berg said. "I don't think it's a way to get stadiums built and to get training facilities built and to have owners invest in rosters and all the other things you need to do. So I don't think it's appropriate for our league.
"I think Don has said before, never say never, but I just don't see it happening anytime soon."
During Garber's tenure, the league grew from 12 to 30 franchises. He helped concoct a plan to save the league from extinction when it dropped from 2 to 10 teams in 2001. Salaries rose appreciably. MLS attracted such top-notch players such as David Beckham and Lionel Messi. The former...
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