Particle.news
Download on the App Store

MLS Commissioner Search Narrows as 49ers Executive Withdraws

Two finalists remain as owners prepare presentations and the league weighs media and calendar timing for the handover.

Overview

  • Sportico and other outlets reported Friday that Paraag Marathe removed his name from consideration, leaving LAFC co-owner Larry Berg and media executive David Nathanson as the reported finalists.
  • MLS owners are scheduled to hear finalist presentations in the coming weeks and the Board of Governors is expected to name a successor within weeks.
  • Don Garber remains under contract through the end of 2027 and the league’s switch to a summer-to-spring calendar means his deal would expire midseason, complicating the exact transition timing.
  • The succession committee formed in 2025 has used advisers and retained Korn Ferry to run the search, reflecting an owner-led, structured governance process.
  • The choice between Berg and Nathanson signals a trade-off for owners between team/finance experience and media and rights expertise as MLS prepares to negotiate its next TV and streaming deal.