Paraag Marathe pulls out of race to become MLS commissioner | OneFootball

Paraag Marathe has withdrawn from the race to become Major League Soccer commissioner. The Leeds United chairman had been one of three contenders to replace long-serving Don Garber, in post since 1999, in mid-2027.

According to Leeds Live, he informed peers of his decision on Friday and his withdrawal leaves Los Angeles FC co-owner Larry Berg and US sports network executive David Nathanson as the remaining candidates.

The MLS commissioner acts as the league’s chief executive, appointed by the Board of Governors. MLS is a single entity, with teams owned by the league and contracts held centrally. The role covers expansion, commercial deals, regulations and relations with FIFA and CONCACAF.

Marathe is Leeds’ chairman and sits on the Rangers board following the 49ers’ involvement in the consortium that took ownership in June 2025. He initially became vice-president before stepping down in March after talks with UEFA over multi-club ownership rules.

Last month he said his involvement at Rangers was unchanged despite giving up the vice-president title, describing himself as very involved and passionate. He added that multi-club ownership rules had, for now, prevented official board status, which he said could also change.

Source: Leeds Live