If you’ve been doom-scrolling social media this morning and saw that LAFC co-owner Larry Berg was elected to replace Don Garber as MLS commissioner, we get the double-take. But here’s the verified truth as of August 3, 2026: it’s not happening. Don Garber is still the boss, and there has been zero official announcement - no press release, no league memo, no credible sports business outlet reporting - about any succession plan involving Berg. Let’s break down the facts so you don’t get fooled by a slick edit or a basement-dwelling conspiracy post. This is Get Sports Journals, and we don’t do fake news - we do real, pulse-pounding soccer intel.
The Facts: Don Garber Isn’t Going Anywhere (Yet)
Let’s pump the brakes on the panic or excitement, depending on your fan allegiance. Don Garber remains the Commissioner of Major League Soccer, a title he has held since 1999. His current contract extension runs through the 2026 season, and as of today, the league office has not signaled a departure. Here’s what we know for sure:
- No official announcement: We scoured MLS Digital, ESPN, The Athletic, and Sports Business Journal. Nothing. Not even a cryptic teaser.
- No leadership transition: The only recent movement in MLS leadership has been at the club level - coaches, GMs, front office shuffles - not in the commissioner’s chair.
- Garber is active: The man is still out there cutting ribbon on new stadiums and talking about the 2026 World Cup legacy. He’s not in lame-duck mode.
So, why the rumor? We’ll get to that, but first, who exactly is Larry Berg? Buckle up, because this guy’s resume is no joke - just not the commissioner kind.
📊 Don Garber has been MLS Commissioner for 27 years - Since 1999, he’s overseen league expansion from 12 to 30 teams, making him the longest-tenured commissioner in U.S. pro sports.
Who Is Larry Berg? The LAFC Power Broker
If the name rings a bell, it’s because Berg is a big deal in Los Angeles soccer circles. He’s a managing partner and co-owner of Los Angeles FC, a role he’s held since the club’s inception in 2014. Berg isn’t just a guy with a checkbook; he’s the founder of the investment firm Canyon Partners and a heavyweight real estate developer. His fingerprints are all over BMO Stadium, from the design to the business model that made LAFC one of the most valuable franchises in the league.
But here’s the kicker: Berg’s recent public appearances have zero to do with league governance. As of mid-2026, his media mentions are all about stadium operations, investment strategies, and LAFC’s on-field performance - not about replacing the league’s top executive. The guy is an owner, not a politician. And while being a co-owner of a flagship club gives you a seat at the table, it doesn’t give you the keys to the league office.
| Role | Detail |
|---|---|
| Current Position | Managing Partner & Co-Owner, LAFC |
| Tenure with LAFC | Since 2014 (club inception) |
| Key Asset | BMO Stadium (opened 2018) |
| Business Background | Founder, Canyon Partners (real estate & investment) |
| League Governance Role | None confirmed as of Aug 2026 |
Why the Rumor Picked Up Steam (And Why It’s Bogus)
So, where did this wild idea come from? In the absence of verified reporting, the rumor mill thrives on a few plausible threads:
- Garber’s contract ends soon: With his current deal up in 2026, fans and pundits are naturally speculating about a transition. It’s a slow news day, and “who’s next?” is an easy headline.
- Berg’s business pedigree: Real estate developers and private equity folks are often seen as natural successors in sports league offices - think of how MLB and the NHL have leaned on business-savvy executives.
- LAFC’s influence: LAFC is a powerhouse. They’ve won MLS Cup, they have a state-of-the-art stadium, and they’re a financial juggernaut. It’s easy to assume their co-owner has the juice to step up.
But assumptions aren’t facts. There is no verifiable evidence that Berg has been elected or even approached for the role. The league has not signaled a departure for Garber, and the only leadership changes in MLS right now are at the club level. Check our latest MLS transfer roundup for the real movement, or dive into our breakdown of LAFC’s 2026 season to see where Berg’s focus really is.
