MLS Commissioner Search Narrows to Two Finalists After Marathe Withdraws
Major League Soccer’s search for Don Garber’s successor narrowed to three finalists—Paraag Marathe, Larry Berg, and David Nathanson—but Marathe withdrew hours later. Berg and Nathanson remain as candidates. MLS owners will vote on August 3 in New York City to select the league’s third commissioner. The new leader faces challenges including a new CBA, a calendar shift to summer-spring, and media rights renegotiation. Garber remains under contract through 2027.
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MLS owners set to vote on next commissioner on Monday: Sources
Major League Soccer owners are scheduled to vote on a new commissioner on Monday in New York City, choosing between two finalists: LAFC co-owner Larry Berg and former Fox executive David Nathanson. The vote requires a two-thirds supermajority. The winner will become only the third commissioner in MLS history, succeeding Don Garber, who has led the league since 1999 and is expected to remain involved through 2027. The leadership change comes at a pivotal time as MLS implements a summer-spring calendar aligned with European leagues and considers significant roster rule changes. Berg is considered the favorite due to his deep involvement in the league's sporting and competition committee and his role in the 'MLS 3.0' plan. Nathanson's media experience, including securing World Cup rights for Fox, is seen as a major asset as MLS prepares for future media rights negotiations.
MLS owners set to vote on next commissioner on Monday: Sources
Major League Soccer owners will vote on Monday in New York City to select the league's third commissioner, replacing Don Garber who has served since 1999. The two finalists are LAFC co-owner Larry Berg, considered the favorite, and former Fox executive David Nathanson, who also holds minority shares in the Seattle Sounders. The vote requires a two-thirds supermajority. Garber, 68, is expected to remain involved in some capacity through the end of his contract in 2027. The leadership change comes at a pivotal time as MLS implements a summer-spring calendar aligned with European leagues and considers significant roster rule changes to increase quality. The league is also preparing for negotiations with the MLS Players Association, as the current collective bargaining agreement runs through January 2028.
MLS owners set to vote on next commissioner on Monday: Sources
Major League Soccer owners will vote on a new commissioner on Monday, August 3, in New York City, choosing between LAFC co-owner Larry Berg and former Fox executive David Nathanson. The winner will become only the third commissioner in MLS history, replacing Don Garber, who has led the league since 1999. Berg is considered the favorite due to his deep involvement in the league's sporting and competition committee and his role in the 'MLS 3.0' plan. Nathanson brings extensive media experience, which is crucial as MLS prepares to renegotiate its media rights deal with Apple, which ends in 2029. The vote requires a two-thirds supermajority. The leadership change comes at a pivotal time as MLS transitions to a summer-spring calendar and considers roster rule changes to improve quality. Garber is expected to remain in some capacity through his contract ending in 2027.
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49ers Executive Paraag Marathe Withdraws from MLS Commissioner Search
San Francisco 49ers executive Paraag Marathe has withdrawn from consideration to become the next Major League Soccer commissioner, just hours after being named one of three finalists. Marathe, president of 49ers Enterprises and chairman of Leeds United, informed league officials of his decision on Friday, July 18, 2026. His withdrawal leaves LAFC co-owner Larry Berg and former Fox Sports executive David Nathanson as the remaining candidates to succeed longtime commissioner Don Garber, who has led MLS since 1999 and remains under contract through 2027. Marathe's candidacy was seen as logical given his growing influence in global soccer through 49ers Enterprises' investments in Leeds United and Rangers FC. The timing was unexpected, as reports of his finalist status and withdrawal emerged on the same day. For the 49ers, his decision provides stability as the franchise prepares for the 2026 NFL season and continues expanding its international soccer portfolio.
Finalists Emerge as MLS Plans to Replace Don Garber as Commissioner
Major League Soccer's owner-operators have narrowed the search for Don Garber's successor to three finalists: LAFC co-owner Larry Berg, former Fox executive David Nathanson, and San Francisco 49ers/Leeds United executive Paraag Marathe. However, Marathe has removed himself from consideration, leaving Berg and Nathanson as the top candidates. MLS owners are expected to vote in early August to select the league's first new commissioner since Garber took charge in 1999. Garber's contract runs through 2027, but owners initiated the succession process early to ensure a smooth transition at a critical time for the league. The new commissioner will face key challenges including negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement with players (expiring January 2028), implementing a calendar change to align with global transfer windows, and potential major reforms to roster rules and spending structures.
Finalists Emerge as MLS Plans to Replace Don Garber as Commissioner
Major League Soccer's owner-operators have narrowed the search for Don Garber's successor to three finalists: LAFC co-owner Larry Berg, former Fox executive David Nathanson, and San Francisco 49ers/Leeds United executive Paraag Marathe. However, Marathe removed himself from consideration, leaving Berg and Nathanson as the top candidates. MLS owners are expected to vote in early August to select the league's first new commissioner since Garber took charge in 1999. Garber's contract runs through the end of 2027, but owners view an early transition as critical given upcoming challenges, including a new collective bargaining agreement with players expiring in January 2028, a calendar shift to a summer-to-spring season starting in 2027, and potential major changes to roster rules and spending structures. Berg is considered a favorite by some sources, but no clear consensus has emerged among the board.
49ers executive Paraag Marathe among finalists for MLS Commissioner
Major League Soccer has narrowed its search for a successor to Commissioner Don Garber to three finalists, including Paraag Marathe, executive vice president of football operations for the San Francisco 49ers and president of 49ers Enterprises. According to John Ourand of Puck, the other finalists are LAFC co-owner Larry Berg and veteran media executive David Nathanson. An announcement is expected next month. Marathe, entering his 26th year with the 49ers, is known as the team's salary-cap architect and oversees contract negotiations, analytics, and the club's global football portfolio. He serves as chairman of Leeds United FC and vice chairman of Rangers FC. The report notes that Marathe's potential departure could be concerning for 49ers fans given his extensive role with the organization.