Off the PitchThe GuardianUnverified source· 4 Aug 2026
New MLS commissioner rules out promotion and relegation
Larry Berg, incoming MLS commissioner, says pro/rel isn't 'appropriate' for North America.
H. Berg
coach
Role
Incoming MLS commissioner
Start date
1 January 2027
Current role
Co-owner of LAFC
Key stance
Against promotion and relegation
What happened. Larry Berg was introduced as the next MLS commissioner and stated he doesn't think promotion and relegation is appropriate for the league.
- Berg will succeed Don Garber in 2027.
- He was introduced to media and MLS staff on Tuesday.
- Pro/rel has been a long-mooted idea for MLS.
“I don't think that the long-mooted idea of bringing 'pro/rel' to the North American league is 'appropriate.'”
— Larry Berg
Berg's comments signal MLS will maintain its closed structure for the foreseeable future.
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