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Garber takes MLS commissioner stint to 28 years through extension

The renewed deal through 2027 will see the 67-year-old retain a role he has held since 1999.

Tariq Saleh December 05 2024

North America’s Major League Soccer (MLS) has agreed a four-year contract extension with Don Garber to continue as commissioner of the league.

Terms for a renewal were approved at a board of governors meeting in July, with this extension seeing Garber’s long-standing tenure continue until the end of 2027.

The extended deal will see the 67-year-old retain a role he has held since 1999. His previous contract expired after the 2023 campaign.

In his 25-year tenure, Garber has overseen and been a hugely influential figure in the growth of the league from 12 to 30 teams.

San Diego will be the latest expansion franchise when it joins MLS in the 2025 season.

The commissioner also played a key role in securing a $2.5-billion, 10-year global streaming deal with Apple in 2022.

Garber has also assisted the US, Mexico and Canada in securing hosting rights for the 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup and is now set to remain in charge during a significant period for soccer overall in North America.

The World Cup will be preceded by the revamped and expanded FIFA Club World Cup next year in the US.

In a statement, MLS said: “The announcement of commissioner Garber’s contract extension comes at a time of tremendous momentum for soccer in North America.”

Garber's 25-year stint is the second-longest among active commissioners in the major US sports leagues behind NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, who has held his role since 1993.

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