MLS Succession Committee Begins Search for Don Garber’s Replacement

MLS succession planning is now underway as Major League Soccer owners have formally launched their search for a future commissioner to follow Don Garber. The league’s leadership took a decisive step by convening a closed-door “succession committee,” signaling the start of a new era in MLS governance.

MLS Succession Planning: Committee Takes Shape

Last week in Palm Beach, Florida, a newly established MLS succession committee held its inaugural meeting just before the league’s Board of Governors convened. According to reports from Sports Business Journal, the committee’s mandate is to oversee the transition of senior leadership positions, most notably identifying a successor for current Commissioner Don Garber. The group is co-chaired by LAFC’s Bennett Rosenthal and Columbus Crew owner Jimmy Haslam, with participation from Jonathan Kraft (New England Revolution), Oliver Mintzlaff (New York Red Bulls), and John Ingram (Nashville SC).

Notably, Garber attended the first session, underlining his commitment to a smooth transition and the league’s long-term future.

Strategic Timing: Calendar Shift and Contract Implications

The formation of the succession committee comes at a critical juncture for MLS. The league recently approved a major calendar change, shifting from a traditional spring-to-fall schedule to a summer-to-spring format, aligning MLS with elite European competitions. This timing directly impacts Garber’s contract, currently set to expire at the end of the 2027 season. With the new calendar, his contract end date now falls mid-season, which could complicate the leadership handover.

League officials have yet to clarify whether Garber’s contract will be extended or adjusted to accommodate this timing. For more news and updates on this transition, visit our homepage for more news.

Leadership Changes Extend Beyond Commissioner Role

Adding further context, the succession committee’s first meeting occurred just one day after the announcement of MLS Deputy Commissioner Gary Stevenson’s retirement following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This leadership turnover highlights an ongoing strategic review within MLS, which commenced in late summer 2025.

League spokesperson Dan Courtemanche emphasized that “Major League Soccer is currently engaged in a comprehensive, league-wide strategic planning process led by Commissioner Garber together with a committee of MLS owners and an external consulting firm.” This initiative not only addresses senior leadership succession but also aims to evaluate organizational structure and operational efficiency across the league.

Don Garber’s Legacy and MLS’s Next Chapter

Don Garber, who has led MLS since 1999, is approaching his 27th year as commissioner. Under his stewardship, the league has grown from financial vulnerability to stability, expanding to 30 clubs across the United States and Canada. Garber’s vision has been instrumental in bringing international attention to MLS, developing youth academies, and investing in soccer-specific stadiums.

The newly formed committee is tasked with ensuring that the next commissioner builds upon Garber’s achievements while navigating the challenges of a changing sports landscape, including global competition, evolving fan expectations, and a growing media presence.

Opinion: A Crucial Step for Sustainable Growth

The launch of the MLS succession committee reflects maturity and forward-thinking within MLS leadership. Proactively addressing a transition at the commissioner level is essential—not just for continuity but for maximizing the league’s momentum as it enters a new calendar era and faces increased global competition. As Garber’s remarkable tenure nears its end, the league’s commitment to strategic planning bodes well for its future growth and organizational health.