Major League Soccer has narrowed its search for Don Garber's eventual replacement to three finalists, according to reports from Sportico. The candidates are Larry Berg, co-owner of Los Angeles FC; Paraag Marathe, president of 49ers Enterprises; and David Nathanson, a former Fox Sports executive. All three are expected to present their vision to MLS owners in the coming weeks as the league accelerates its succession planning.
Garber has led the league since 1999 and remains under contract through 2027, though a recent calendar shift has created complications. When he signed his current deal in July 2024, it was designed to expire during the MLS offseason. However, the league's move to a summer-to-spring calendar means his contract will now conclude midway through the 2027-28 season, potentially forcing an earlier departure or extended tenure. The league confirmed the succession process is underway but did not officially identify the three finalists. "Major League Soccer's Board of Governors has been engaged in a comprehensive succession planning process," MLS stated. "A number of highly qualified individuals have been considered."
The Three Candidates and Their Backgrounds
Each finalist brings distinct experience to the commissioner role. Berg joined LAFC's ownership group when the club entered MLS in 2018 and previously served as its lead managing owner. Before soccer, he spent three decades at Apollo Global Management, bringing deep financial expertise. Marathe has worked with the San Francisco 49ers for 25 years and now oversees their business interests through 49ers Enterprises. He recently became chairman of Leeds United following the group's Premier League takeover in 2025, demonstrating his capacity to manage complex international sports operations. Nathanson spent two decades in television, primarily at Fox Sports, before investing in several teams including the Seattle Kraken and Angel City FC. He joined the Seattle Sounders' ownership group in 2019.
The succession committee, led by LAFC co-owner Bennett Rosenthal and Columbus Crew owner Jimmy Haslam, retained The Miles Group initially before engaging Korn Ferry to conduct the search. Garber has stated his intention to complete his contract and assist with the transition. MLS has expanded to 30 clubs during his tenure and faces a critical period ahead, including negotiating a new media rights agreement—a responsibility that will fall to his successor.
