Major League Soccer has officially initiated the process of finding a successor for Commissioner Don Garber, hiring the executive search firm Korn Ferry to lead the talent hunt. Garber, who has led the league since 1999, is currently under contract through the end of the 2027 season.
The move comes as part of a broader “comprehensive organizational review” aimed at solidifying the league’s long-term governance. While Garber remains at the helm, a dedicated succession committee of MLS owners has been formed to oversee the transition. In addition to Korn Ferry, the league has retained The Miles Group to advise on the structural evolution of the commissioner’s office.
Garber’s tenure has been defined by massive expansion, growing the league to 30 franchises and achieving a record average team valuation of $767 million. However, the search for new leadership arrives at a pivotal moment. The league is currently navigating a shortened media deal with Apple and a historic shift to a “fall-to-spring” calendar starting in 2027 to align with European schedules.
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon and several high-ranking executives—including Deputy Commissioner Gary Stevenson—recently departing, the eventual successor will inherit a league that has moved past its “struggling” phase and into a global powerhouse position.