Major League Soccer has narrowed its search for a new commissioner to three finalists, according to multiple reports. The candidates are Los Angeles FC co-owner Larry Berg, 49ers Enterprises president Paraag Marathe, and David Nathanson, a former Fox executive.
Succession Planning
Major League Soccer’s Board of Governors has been engaged in a comprehensive succession planning process. A representative for MLS stated that the league’s succession committee is working with the commissioner and the Board on this ongoing process.
Garber, 68, is nearing the end of his third decade as commissioner, holding the job since August 1999. Only NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has served longer among the major U.S. leagues, assuming office in February 1993.
Each of the three reported finalists would bring a different skillset to the job. Berg has held his ownership stake in LAFC since 2018, giving him inside knowledge of the MLS operations. Marathe is the chairman of Leeds United of the English Premier League, and the investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers owns that club. Nathanson’s experience in media would be beneficial in negotiating the next round of television and streaming rights.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
