MLS Narrows Commissioner Search to Berg and Nathanson After Marathe Withdraws

Published Jul 17, 05:31 PM UTC

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.