New MLS Commissioner Larry Berg outlines vision for league's future

By Rylee McKinney (@rylees_roster)

Larry Berg (Photo courtesy of MLS)

Incoming MLS Commissioner Larry Berg did not waste time laying out what he thinks the league needs during Tuesday's press conference: more spending flexibility, a cleaner competition format, and a product that feels closer to the global game.

Berg will officially take over on January 1st, but his early tone makes it clear he is not arriving to simply maintain the status quo.

Although the league has grown substantially under Don Garber, it still faces a relevancy gap, caught between major American sports leagues and the global soccer ecosystem. Berg's message was clear: MLS has the infrastructure, but now needs to elevate the product.

Here are some of the key initiatives Berg plans to pursue in his new role:

Loosening roster rules

Berg called roster reform his top priority during yesterday's presser. He wants MLS clubs to have more freedom to build competitive squads rather than navigate a maze of budget rules.

The current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is set to expire in January 2028, but some owners hope the changes can be implemented in time for the 2027 sprint season.

Owners have already been discussing ways to loosen spending restrictions, and Berg seems ready to push that conversation forward.

Proposed strategies would ultimately grant teams greater freedom to spend on players beyond those occupying the uncapped Designated Player spots.

Youth development still a pillar

Also mentioned was the future focus on squeezing more from the league's youth pipeline. He sees MLS academies and MLS Next Pro as strengths, but he wants more: more minutes for young players, more national-team contributors, and more homegrown talent.

Youth development quickly became more than a talking point, but as an angle for competitive advantage.

Calendar shift & format shake-up

MLS officially voted to move to a fall-to-spring calendar back in November, and Berg hinted that the change might also inspire changes to the season and playoff structures. Nothing regarding these adjustments has been decided yet, but Berg made it clear that the MLS is evaluating whether the entire competitive format needs a refresh to fit the new rhythm.

Owners are considering nontraditional models that would provide double-elimination protection for top-seeded teams while placing lower-seeded teams in a single-elimination format. Other options under consideration include home-and-away ties.

Revisiting Apple TV streaming agreement

MLS's deal with Apple runs through 2029, but Berg is already thinking about what comes next. The league wants a bigger media footprint and a partner willing to innovate with them. So, MLS is reportedly aiming for a much larger rights deal down the road, and Berg's comments suggest he will be aggressive in shaping that future.

"The thing I would say is, especially at this time, since we have a little time before that's being built, it's about finding media partners who want to co-create the future," said Berg.

Berg brings renewed excitement to MLS, and he will face a series of decisions necessary to accommodate the overall schedule change.

Yet, it appears his vision for MLS is promising as it plans to attract bigger names, enhance the youth pathway, and increase accessibility to the beautiful game.