Berg outlines MLS growth vision through post-World Cup reset

Larry Berg has outlined a reform agenda centred on improving the quality of Major League Soccer, using stronger rosters, youth development and competition changes to convert World Cup interest into lasting commercial growth.The incoming commissioner will succeed Don Garber on January 1, 2027, inheriting responsibility for a new competition calendar, future media rights talks, a collective bargaining agreement and further changes to the league’s roster model.Berg said: “Simply put, the foundation has been built. Now it’s our responsibility to build on it and that’s what excites me most. I didn’t accept this role to protect what we’ve already accomplished. I accepted it because I believe this league is ready for its next chapter.“Quality on the field is obviously number one. The more we grow fandom, the more resources we have to improve the quality on the field, and the more the quality on the field grows, the more fandom we’ll have.”A former co-managing owner of Los Angeles FC, Berg believes increased roster investment can create a commercial cycle in which a stronger product generates higher transfer income, greater media revenue and deeper supporter engagement.Berg added: “I think if I do that well, we will have more transfer revenue and we’ll have more media money and that’ll all lead to better product on the field and that’ll become a flywheel because it leads to more transfers and more revenue and more media money.”MLS is already assessing changes that could give clubs greater flexibility around designated players, under-22 signings and wider squad spending, although any new model will require agreement across the league’s 30 ownership groups.Berg also wants academies and MLS Next Pro to become more productive pathways into first teams, strengthening club economics through player development while expanding the talent pools available to the US and Canadian national teams.Promotion and relegation will not form part of that strategy, with Berg arguing that the financial jeopardy would discourage investment in stadiums, training facilities and playing squads.Berg commented: “I don’t think it’s appropriate for our league. I think Don Garber has said before, ‘never say never’, but I just don’t see it happening anytime soon.”His first test will be turning post-World Cup attention into sustained audience and revenue growth while persuading owners to support the spending and structural reforms required to raise the league’s global standing.