The NFL is widely regarded as the most successful and profitable sports league in the world. So it's no surprise that other leagues often look to the shield for leadership inspiration. Major League Soccer is the latest to follow suit, as the search for Don Garber's successor officially begins.

Garber has been at the helm of MLS for the past 25 years, joining the league in 1999 after a stint with the NFL. Under his leadership, MLS has experienced remarkable growth, expanding from 12 to 30 teams. The league has attracted global icons like David Beckham and Lionel Messi, while soccer-specific stadiums have popped up across the country. The upcoming 2026 World Cup is expected to give the domestic league an even bigger boost.

However, Garber's tenure hasn't been without controversy. The lack of promotion and relegation remains a hot topic, and the league's heavy reliance on expansion fees for value growth has raised eyebrows. The potential relocation of the Vancouver Whitecaps threatens to cast a shadow over the current season, while the polarizing Apple TV deal—an all-in bet on streaming—has delivered mixed results so far.

With Garber's contract set to expire at the end of 2027, MLS appears ready for a leadership change. According to Puck's John Ourand, a few names have already emerged as top candidates, including Big XII commissioner Brett Yormark and LAFC owner Larry Berg. But the most intriguing option—and perhaps the one that makes the most sense—is NFL media chief Hans Schroeder.

Schroeder would be an excellent fit for MLS given his role as Executive Vice President of Media Distribution for the NFL, where he manages the league's massive media deals. He's currently overseeing potential renegotiations that could involve hundreds of billions of dollars—experience that could prove invaluable as MLS navigates its own media landscape.