Major League Soccer is searching for a successor to Commissioner Don Garber, and one of the reported finalists could be a familiar—and potentially concerning—name for San Francisco 49ers fans.
According to John Ourand of Puck, the search has been narrowed to three finalists, including 49ers executive vice president of football operations and president of 49ers Enterprises, Paraag Marathe.
An announcement naming the next MLS Commissioner is expected sometime next month.
Sources:
I'm told that the MLS Commissioner search has narrowed to three execs who could replace Don Garber.
* LAFC co-owner and former PE exec Larry Berg
* Veteran media exec David Nathanson
* Senior exec with the 49ers Paraag MaratheA new MLS commissioner is expected to be…
— John Ourand (@Ourand_Puck) July 17, 2026
Marathe has held a variety of leadership roles with the 49ers organization. He is best known as the team's salary-cap architect, leading contract negotiations while working closely with general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan. He also oversees the 49ers' analytics department.
As the team's chief operating officer and president from 2010 to 2016, Marathe played a key role in the development and opening of Levi's Stadium.
Beyond his responsibilities with the 49ers, Marathe oversees the club's global football portfolio as president of 49ers Enterprises. He serves as chairman of Leeds United FC, where he oversees the club's commercial and sporting operations, and as vice chairman of Scottish club Rangers FC.
Marathe started with the 49ers as a data analyst in 2001.
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