Paraag Marathe, a longtime executive with the San Francisco 49ers, is one of three finalists to become the next commissioner of Major League Soccer, according to multiple reports.
Marathe joins LAFC co-owner and former private equity executive Larry Berg and veteran media executive David Nathanson as the candidates under consideration to replace Don Garber, who has led MLS since August 1999 and is now 68. A new commissioner is expected to be named next month, according to the reports.
Marathe has been with the 49ers for 25 years, where he currently holds dual titles as president of 49ers Enterprises and executive vice president of football operations. On the football side, he has served as the club’s chief contract negotiator for years, working closely with general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan. He recently helped negotiate extensions for quarterback Brock Purdy, tight end George Kittle, linebacker Fred Warner and fullback Kyle Juszczyk, and played a role in acquiring running back Christian McCaffrey and tackle Trent Williams via trade, according to the team’s website.
Beyond football, Marathe’s resume includes significant international sports business experience. He serves as chairman of Leeds United, the Premier League club majority-owned by 49ers Enterprises, after helping lead the group’s full acquisition of the team in 2023.
Marathe also has deep multi-sport development ties through his prior role as chairman of USA Cricket from 2018 to 2023, during which he helped the organization gain recognition from the International Cricket Council and helped launch Major League Cricket. He also contributed to securing the United States as a host nation for the 2024 T20 Cricket World Cup and to cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Marathe previously served as 49ers team president from 2014-16 and chief operating officer from 2010-13, a stretch during which he oversaw the development of Levi’s Stadium.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers exec reportedly a finalist to become MLS commissioner
Reporting by Oliver G., Niners Wire / Niners Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Oliver G., Niners Wire | USA TODAY Network
