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 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.