Major League Soccer's search for a new commissioner has reached its final stage, with three candidates emerging as finalists to replace Don Garber, a source confirmed to ESPN.
The shortlist includes Paraag Marathe, president of 49ers Enterprises, alongside LAFC co-owner Larry Berg and former Fox executive David Nathanson. The selection marks a pivotal moment for the league as it prepares for new leadership after Garber's long tenure at the helm.
Marathe's inclusion among the finalists brings a Bay Area connection to the high-profile search. His current role with 49ers Enterprises positions him as a candidate with experience in professional sports management, though the league has yet to announce a timeline for its final decision.
The three finalists represent diverse backgrounds within the sports and entertainment industries. Berg brings an ownership perspective from his position with Los Angeles Football Club, while Nathanson arrives with media industry credentials from his time at Fox.
The next commissioner will inherit a league that has expanded significantly under Garber's leadership, with the challenge of continuing that growth trajectory while navigating an increasingly competitive sports landscape. The selection process reflects the league's consideration of candidates with varied expertise in team operations, ownership dynamics, and media relations.
