Major League Soccer owners have selected Korn Ferry to lead the search for a new commissioner, according to individuals familiar with the situation. This decision forms part of ongoing succession planning discussions surrounding Don Garber’s eventual departure.
Background on Succession Planning Efforts
The discussions about transitioning MLS leadership began last year, as Garber has served as commissioner since 1999, with his current contract expiring after the 2027 season. A dedicated succession committee, made up of MLS owners and appointed by Garber himself, convened for the first time during league meetings in November to oversee this process.
This committee has also engaged The Miles Group (TMG) to assist with succession guidance and has been consulting with various league stakeholders since mid-last year. Korn Ferry’s role will focus more specifically on identifying and assessing candidates for the commissioner position. Although Garber was involved in the search, the final decision rests with the committee.
Official Statement on the Search Process
An MLS spokesperson said,
“As part of the comprehensive organizational review initiated last year to evaluate MLS’ leadership structure, operational effectiveness, and long-term governance, the Board of Governors and Commissioner Garber have retained an executive search firm to support succession planning,”
and added,
“This step reflects responsible long-term planning and is aligned with the league’s broader evolution.”
The spokesperson did not disclose the name of the search firm, and Korn Ferry representatives declined to comment publicly.
Garber’s Legacy and MLS Growth Under His Tenure
When Garber was hired from the NFL in MLS’s early, challenging years, the league had yet to establish a firm presence. Over his 25-plus years as commissioner, MLS has expanded significantly, now hosting 30 franchises with an average valuation of $767 million. On Sportico’s list of the 50 most valuable soccer teams globally, MLS clubs appear 19 times, more than any other league.
Current Challenges and Upcoming Changes Facing MLS
The league is entering a pivotal phase. Its media agreement with Apple was amended to conclude three and a half years earlier than initially planned, and MLS will shift its season calendar in 2027 to better align with major European leagues. Additionally, the U.S. will co-host the World Cup this year, an event league owners have long promoted as a major opportunity.
Garber’s contract expiration will occur in the middle of the 2027-28 season, complicating the timing of any leadership transition. Uncertainty remains around whether Garber will seek to extend his tenure or how owners might respond should he choose to do so.
Ongoing Leadership Changes Across the League Office
The league has already seen significant personnel shifts: deputy commissioner Mark Abbott has left, and Chief Marketing Officer Radhika Duggal joined last year. Deputy commissioner Gary Stevenson, a league veteran since 2013, informed MLS board members in November that he plans to depart this year, signaling additional changes at the executive level.
Implications for MLS’s Future Direction
The appointment of Korn Ferry to guide the commissioner search marks a critical moment in MLS’s governance, highlighting the owners’ focus on long-term stability amid ongoing growth. How the league navigates the upcoming transition will be essential, especially given the timing amid strategic expansions, new media partnerships, and the upcoming World Cup.
