Gary Stevenson Appointed President & MD of MLS Business Ventures, President Abbot Expands Duties

Major League Soccer (MLS) Commissioner Don Garber announced today the appointment of Gary Stevenson, as president and managing director of the League’s new business unit, MLS Business Ventures.

In addition, MLS president Mark Abbott, the architect of the League’s business plan and a 20-year MLS executive, will assume expanded responsibilities in his new role as president and deputy commissioner of MLS.

Stevenson brings to the job more than 30 years of industry experience including executive positions at the Pac-12 Conference, NBA, the PGA TOUR, and the Golf Channel.

He will oversee all commercial and revenue areas for MLS and Soccer United Marketing, including media/broadcasting, marketing, content and digital.

“Gary’s vast experience in the sports and entertainment world, along with his deep understanding of the media landscape, will play a pivotal role in growing key areas of our business and forming new partnerships,” said Commissioner Garber.

“He brings a fresh perspective and entrepreneurial spirit that will drive value for Major League Soccer and our key partners at Soccer United Marketing, including U.S. Soccer, the Mexican Football Federation and CONCACAF.”

Soccer United Marketing President Kathy Carter will continue in her role and report in to Stevenson and the newly created MLS Business Ventures.

MLS Chief Marketing Officer Howard Handler also will report to Stevenson, and continue to lead the League’s efforts to build the MLS brand and fan base.

Stevenson honoured

Stevenson commented: “I’m a big soccer fan and I am honored to work closely with so many talented people who have been so committed to building MLS into the top professional soccer league in North America.

“I look forward to doing my part to help MLS grow its fan base and media value, as well as expanding the commercial value of soccer in the region.”

Abbott in the meanwhile has served as MLS president since 2006 and has been primarily focused on the business, legal and financial side of MLS.

New role for Abbott

In his new role as president and deputy commissioner, he will lead and manage all areas of League operations and competition, including product strategy, player relations, strategic planning and communications.

“Abbott also will lead a new business development group to address new areas of opportunity for the League and Soccer United Marketing.

“The past 20 years have seen amazing growth for the sport of soccer and our League,” said Abbott.

“I expect the coming years to bring even greater opportunity as we continue to transform the sport in North America.  I look forward to working with Gary and our other colleagues, many of whom have been here since the early days of MLS, as we collectively focus on our next phase of development.”

Abbott assumes his new role immediately and Stevenson will join the MLS executive team in mid-July.