New MLS boss faces soccer sales pressure
Larry Berg has been appointed as the new commissioner of Major League Soccer, succeeding Don Garber. Berg faces the challenge of increasing the league's credibility and market share in the US as soccer continues to grow in popularity.
Why it matters
As soccer gains mainstream status in the US, the league's ability to compete with established global leagues and other domestic sports is a significant business and cultural milestone.
Add TT as Preferred Source When Major League Soccer (MLS) commissioner Don Garber’s tenure concludes at the end of the year, it will punctuate an exceptional period of growth and development in professional soccer in the US.
Under Garber’s guidance, MLS exploded from 12 to 30 teams, built soccer-specific stadiums for the majority of its clubs, created mechanisms to bring global superstars into the league and develop young domestic talent, and established itself in the global soccer marketplace.
However, as Garber departs, his successor still faces the league’s biggest challenge of all: cementing MLS’ credibility in North American sports and the larger soccer world.
The league’s owners on Monday voted to approve Larry Berg, a partial owner of Los Angeles FC (LAFC), as the man to tackle that challenge.
Berg is to officially take the role on Jan. 1 next year, with Garber transitioning to the advisory role of chairman.
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