Sports
Reports: MLS down to 2 finalists to succeed Don Garber
Mar 3, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Chicago Fire’s new stadium at The 78 in Chicago’s South Loop Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images Major League Soccer is down to two finalists to succeed commissioner Don Garber, Sportico reported Friday.
The candidates are Los Angeles FC co-owner Larry Berg and David Nathanson, a former Fox executive, per the report, after 49ers Enterprises president Paraag Marathe removed himself from consideration.
“Major League Soccer’s Board of Governors has been engaged in a comprehensive succession planning process,” a representative for MLS said in a statement to Sportico. “As part of that effort, a number of highly qualified individuals have been considered. The MLS succession committee is working with the commissioner and the Board on this ongoing process.”
Garber, 68, is nearing the end of his third decade as commissioner, holding the job since August 1999. Only NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has served longer among the major U.S. leagues, assuming office in February 1993.
Garber is under contract through the end of the 2027 season, but the shift in the league calendar to follow the international calendar could alter the expiration date.
In 2025, the league formed a succession committee, led by LAFC co-owner Bennett Rosenthal and Columbus Crew owner Jimmy Haslam, to determine a plan to succeed Garber. Consultant Korn Ferry was brought in to lead the search for candidates.
Both of the reported finalists would bring a different skillset to the job.
Berg has held his ownership stake in LAFC since 2018, giving him inside knowledge of the MLS operations. He comes from the world of finance, holding an MBA from Harvard Business School and 30 years of experience at Apollo Global Management.
Nathanson’s experience in media would be beneficial in negotiating the next round of television and streaming rights. At Fox, he led the effort as the network gained the rights to the 2018, 2022 and 2026 World Cup. He is a minority owner of the Seattle Sounders and a director of the U.S. Soccer Foundation.
The commissioner-elect is expected to work with Garber, who has overseen the expansion of MLS from 12 to 30 teams, during the transition.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Union reacquire star D Kai Wagner
Oct 4, 2025; Chester, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Union defender Kai Wagner (27) lifts the 2025 MLS Supporters’ Shield after the game against New York City FC at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images Three-time MLS All-Star defender Kai Wagner returned to the Philadelphia Union on Friday, being acquired via transfer from Birmingham City FC.
Philadelphia also sent $100,000 in General Allocation Money to Sporting Kansas City to swap spots in the waiver order, landing the No. 1 position to claim Wagner in exchange for the No. 22 spot.
Wagner spent seven seasons with Philadelphia (2019-25) prior to the seven-month stint with Birmingham FC. He had three assists in 18 matches across all competitions for Birmingham.
“Coming back to Philadelphia feels incredibly meaningful for me and my family. Over the years, this city has become our home, and returning was a decision that came from the heart,” Wagner said in a news release. “My time away gave me the opportunity to experience a new challenge, but it also reinforced how much this club, this city, and our supporters mean to me.
“There’s something special about representing the Union and playing in front of our fans. I believe in what this club stands for, its culture, ambition, and commitment to competing at the highest level. I’m excited to be back, and grateful for the opportunity to help write the next chapter.”
Wagner is a two-time MLS Best XI pick and helped Philadelphia win two Supporters’ Shield awards for best regular-season record (2020, 2025). He was also a stalwart on the 2022 squad which lost to Los Angeles FC in the MLS Cup Final.
Wagner holds the franchise record of 63 assists. He has eight goals in 204 regular-season matches.
In 2025, he had two goals and 11 assists in 32 matches and anchored a defense that gave up an MLS-low 35 goals and registered 14 clean sheets.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Kai back to Philadelphia. He’s been an integral part of this club’s success and has consistently established himself as one of the top left backs in Major League Soccer,” Philadelphia sporting director Jon Scheer said. “Kai understands what this club represents, what our supporters expect, and the standards we hold ourselves to every day. We’re confident he’ll make an immediate impact this season as we pursue our goals and be an important part of our club’s future.”
The Union (1-10-4, 7 points) are struggling with the fewest points in the league. They resume play after the nearly two-month international break for the World Cup on Wednesday when they host the New York Red Bulls.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Jon Rahm warned after tossing club at Royal Birkdale
May 9, 2026; Sterling, Virginia, USA; Jon Rahm lines up a putt during the third round of LIV Golf Virginia golf tournament at Trump National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: John (Jack) Power-Imagn Images Jon Rahm received an official code of conduct warning after tossing his club on the 15th hole at the Open Championship on Friday, the R&A confirmed.
Rahm hit his tee shot with an iron and immediately could see the ball was going off to the left. The Spaniard then threw the club into the ground and it took a big bounce before landing.
Rahm was reportedly informed of the warning by tournament officials as he approached the 17th hole at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England.
A second offense this weekend could result in a two-stroke penalty.
Rahm shot 3-under 67 on Friday and is 4 under for the tournament. He was part of a large tie for eighth place when he completed a round that consisted of six birdies and three bogeys.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Stampeders aim to improve defense in rematch against Alouettes
Nov 8, 2025; Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Montreal Alouettes wide receiver Tyson Philpot (6) runs with the football during warm up before the start of the Eastern Final against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Hamilton Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images It’s a simple proposition for the Calgary Stampeders. Improve defensively or languish around .500 this year.
Heading into a rematch Saturday against the visiting Montreal Alouettes, Calgary (2-3) is permitting 35.2 points and 433.8 yards per game. Even with points and yardage up across the league, those figures aren’t good enough.
“When you let them score that many points, it proves a bigger challenge,” said defensive end Folarin Orimolade. “We’re giving up a few more explosive plays and we’re giving up a few more touchdowns.”
Some of those happened last week in Montreal, where the Als outscored the Stamps 37-30. Montreal quarterback Davis Alexander has thrown for 1,779 yards, second only to Toronto’s Chad Kelly, and receiver Tyson Philpot already has 719 yards — 240 more than anyone else.
Calgary coach Dave Dickenson said playing the same opponent in consecutive weeks makes preparation easier.
“You kind of start trying to predict,” he said. “It’s like, ‘OK, if they did this, what is the counterpunch to that?’ But sometimes, it’s actually counterproductive to do that.”
While the Stamps aim for a split, the Als (4-1) try to keep rolling behind their pitch-catch combination. Philpot riddled Calgary for nine catches, 132 yards and a touchdown. It was his fourth straight 100-yard game.
If Philpot can continue at this pace for 18 games, he would finish with 2,588 yards, obliterating the CFL record of 2,036 set by Calgary’s Allen Pitts in 1994. Philpot also has 45 receptions, putting him on pace to break the 28-year-old mark of 160 that Derrell Mitchell achieved for Toronto in 1998.
“When I hear my number called, all I think about is making a play for these guys,” Philpot said. “As long as I keep doing that, I’ll continue having my number called. It’s in my DNA. I’ve done this since I was a young kid. In my mind, the guy across from me can’t guard me.”
Like the Stamps, Montreal is seeking better defensive performance. Even though they’re tied for the league’s best record with Edmonton and Saskatchewan, the Als are yielding 30.8 ppg.
–Field Level Media
Union reacquire star D Kai Wagner
Jon Rahm warned after tossing club at Royal Birkdale
