New MLS Commissioner Aims to Reshape League's Financial Landscape
Under Larry Berg's leadership, MLS prepares for major changes in salary structure and media rights.
1New Leader, New Vision
Major League Soccer's (MLS) longtime Commissioner Don Garber will retire at the end of 2026, succeeded by Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) co-owner Larry Berg. Berg's appointment signals a potential shift toward more aggressive spending policies. LAFC is known as one of the league's highest-spending teams, and Berg's experience could reshape MLS's financial strategies.
2Revolutionizing Salary Structure
MLS plans structural changes to increase player salaries by 2027. Currently, most teams spend less than $20 million annually on their rosters. The new system aims to introduce a more flexible salary cap to compete with European and South American leagues. This change would particularly benefit big-spending clubs like LAFC, Atlanta United, and Inter Miami.
3Calendar Shift and Global Competition
MLS will transition to a traditional European football calendar in 2027. A 14-game 'sprint season' starting in February will be followed by a new fall-to-spring schedule beginning in August. This change moves the player transfer window to summer, allowing MLS to be more active in the international transfer market.
4Ambitious Media Rights Goals
MLS is ending its $2.5 billion exclusive deal with Apple after the 2028-29 season. In new media rights negotiations, the league aims for $400-$500 million in annual revenue. However, competing directly with NFL, NBA, and European leagues due to the new calendar could make this target harder to achieve.
5After the Apple Deal
MLS's exclusive agreement with Apple benefited from summer's lighter sports programming. But the new calendar will place MLS in direct competition with major European leagues. This could lead U.S. broadcasters to allocate smaller budgets to MLS coverage.
6Challenges Ahead for Berg
Larry Berg must manage both salary structure changes and secure new media deals. Success in both areas is crucial for MLS's growth. Securing agreements with traditional broadcasters like ESPN will be particularly important for the league's visibility.
7Player Quality and League Standards
Relaxing salary restrictions could help MLS attract higher-quality players, potentially increasing the league's gameplay quality, fan interest, and TV ratings. However, smaller-market teams may need additional support mechanisms to adapt to these changes.
8The Future of MLS
Under Larry Berg's leadership, MLS aims to become financially more competitive. But achieving significant growth in media revenue is essential for these changes to succeed. Berg's experience with LAFC may prove to be MLS's greatest advantage in this challenging transition.