U.S. Soccer has announced thatDon Garber will serve as the chair of the federation's Soccer Forward initiative.
Garber has served as MLS commissioner since 1999, but will be replaced by Larry Berg starting on Jan. 1, 2027.
Though Garber will stay involved with MLS, transitioning into a role as chairman, he will now take on a new position with U.S. Soccer's program that aims to grow the game at the grassroots level.
As part of his new role, U.S. Soccer said that Garber will "bring new partners to the table, grow support for U.S. Soccer's long-term priorities, and offer soccer to more people in more places than ever before."
"I've spent more than four decades working in professional sports, and I’ve always believed that our greatest progress comes
through strong partnerships and a shared vision,” said Garber.
“There has never been a more important or exciting time for soccer in the United States. I’m honored to work alongside Cindy [Parlow Cone, U.S. Soccer president], J.T. [Batson, U.S. Soccer CEO] and the team at U.S. Soccer, and to bring together leaders from business, philanthropy, government and across the soccer community to ensure we take full advantage of this moment and create a lasting impact on the game for generations to come.”
"We've all seen what's possible for soccer in this country and making the most of the opportunity ahead will take all of us working together. Don has spent decades helping grow the game by bringing people together around a shared vision, and that's exactly what Soccer Forward is about and will need moving forward,” said Parlow Cone.
“His leadership, relationships and belief in what's possible for soccer in this country make him the right person to help us turn this extraordinary moment into long-term progress. I'm excited to continue to work alongside him as we create more opportunities for people to play, support and experience soccer in every community across America.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Outgoing MLS commissioner Don Garber takes on new role with U.S. Soccer
