Vice President, Business & Commercial Operations, MLS NEXT Pro

Overview

The Vice President, Business & Commercial Operations is the executive responsible for driving the long-term growth, commercial success, and strategic evolution of MLS NEXT Pro. This leader oversees the League's business expansion strategy, corporate development initiatives, commercial operations, strategic partnerships, and stakeholder engagement while ensuring alignment with Major League Soccer's broader enterprise objectives.

 

Serving as the primary business relationship manager for MLS NEXT Pro club owners, Business Committee members, and key external partners, the VP partners closely with Hometown Soccer Holdings (HSH), KKR, and senior executives across MLS to identify and execute transformative growth opportunities. The role also oversees the League's Broadcast, Media, and Content function to ensure the delivery of a best-in-class match presentation and media product that supports fan engagement and commercial growth.

 

Responsibilities

League Expansion & Market Development

• Lead the strategic independent team expansion of MLS NEXT Pro by identifying and evaluating prospective markets, ownership groups, and stadium opportunities.
• Point of contact for Hometown Soccer Holdings to execute the League's expansion strategy and long-term growth initiatives.
• Assess potential independent team market viability through financial, demographic, and competitive analysis.
• Partner with HS to build relationships with municipalities, government officials, developers, and prospective ownership groups to facilitate expansion and stadium development projects.
• Lead cross-functional diligence and negotiations throughout the expansion process.

 

Corporate Development, Mergers & Acquisitions

• Lead all corporate development initiatives for MLS NEXT Pro in support of League growth and strategic priorities.
• Oversee club acquisition and sale transactions, including due diligence, valuation support, transaction execution, and stakeholder management.
• Identify and execute league-wide strategic investments, partnerships, joint ventures, and capital initiatives.
• Evaluate equity, debt financing, and other capital-raising opportunities that strengthen the League's long-term financial position.
• Lead investment evaluations for emerging technologies and innovative platforms that enhance League operations and competitive positioning.
• Structure and negotiate future media rights and strategic commercial agreements

 

Commercial Operations & Revenue Growth (In partnership with HSH)

• Support MLS NEXT Pro clubs in maximizing local revenue opportunities across sponsorship, ticketing, consumer products, hospitality, and media distribution.
• Provide strategic guidance and best practices to club executives on commercial growth initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with MLS NEXT Pro Commercial Rules while identifying innovative revenue opportunities that benefit both clubs and the League.
• Collaborate across MLS commercial teams to maximize enterprise-wide revenue opportunities.

 

Strategic Planning & Business Performance

• Lead long-range strategic planning initiatives that advance the League's vision and business objectives.
• Partner with Business Intelligence and Strategy teams to establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators.
• Develop executive-level business cases and recommendations for League leadership and the Board of Governors.
• Evaluate market trends, competitive dynamics, and emerging opportunities to inform strategic decision-making.

 

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Serve as a strategic connector across the MLS enterprise, driving alignment among business units to advance MLS NEXT Pro priorities.
• Partner closely with Legal, Finance, Business Development, New Ventures, Operations, Consumer Products, MLS Season Pass, MLS SUM, Broadcast, the Commissioner's Office, and other departments to execute League initiatives.
• Lead complex, cross-functional projects requiring executive-level collaboration and stakeholder alignment.

 

Innovation & New Business Development

• Partner with the New Ventures team to identify emerging industry trends and new business opportunities.
• Develop and pilot innovative initiatives that enhance fan engagement, commercial performance, and League growth.
• Evaluate opportunities across media, technology, digital products, fan experiences, and adjacent soccer properties.

 

Broadcast, Media & Content

• Oversee the League's Broadcast, Media, and Content function.
• Ensure all matches are delivered to League standards for broadcast quality, production excellence, and fan experience.
• Collaborate with internal and external broadcast partners to enhance content distribution and media value.

 

 

Board Governance & Executive Communications

• Lead preparation of commercial development presentations and strategic materials for the MLS NEXT Pro Board of Governors and League committees.
• Coordinate cross-functional input to ensure accurate, aligned, and impactful executive communications.
• Present strategic recommendations and business updates to League leadership, owners, and governance committees.

 

Stakeholder Management & Relationship Development

• Serve as the primary business contact for MLS NEXT Pro club owners and Business Committee members on commercial and business operations matters.
• Act as the League's primary relationship manager for Hometown Soccer Holdings (HSH) and KKR regarding centralized commercial initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with club executives, sponsors, media partners, investors, investment banks, consultants, and key stakeholders across the global sports industry.
• Represent MLS NEXT Pro in strategic meetings, negotiations, and industry forums.

 

Manager Responsibilities

• Manage hiring and onboarding process by interviewing, selecting, orienting, and training employees
• Accomplish team results by communicating job expectations and managing the Performance Management process:
  • Plan, monitor, and review performance;
  • Coach and counsel employees;
  • Develop and implement department procedures and productivity standards and reinforce Company policies
• Develop personal growth opportunities for employees
• Attract, develop, and motivate a high performing organization with a strong, values-based culture.

 

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Sports Management, Economics, or a related field; MBA or other advanced degree preferred.
• 12+ years of progressive executive leadership experience in professional sports, media, investment banking, private equity, corporate development, consulting, or related industries.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex corporate development, M&A, strategic partnerships, and commercial negotiations.
• Proven ability to build and maintain executive-level relationships with owners, investors, and senior business leaders.
• Strong financial acumen, strategic planning, and analytical skills.
• Experience leading high-performing cross-functional teams and influencing across matrixed organizations.
• Exceptional executive communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.

 

 

Preferred

• Experience within professional sports leagues, franchises, media companies, or sports investment organizations.
• Knowledge of media rights, sponsorship, and commercial partnership structures.
• Experience working with Boards of Directors, ownership groups, or governance committees.
• Familiarity with stadium development, expansion strategy, and sports business economics.

 

Total Rewards 

Major League Soccer offers a competitive starting base salary of $200,000 - $250,000 based on individual qualifications, market financials, and operational business needs. We are committed to providing a Total Rewards package that attracts, supports, engages, and retains talent. Our benefits package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a $500 wellness reimbursement, and generous Holiday and PTO schedule to promote work-life balance. We also prioritize career and professional development, offering on-the-job training, feedback, and ongoing educational opportunities.

 

Major League Soccer believes in the value of in-person collaboration to support teamwork, creativity, and connection. Employees in this role are expected to work a four (4) day in-office schedule, with the flexibility to work remotely one (1) day each week, based on business and department needs.

 

Major League Soccer is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. 

 

Major League Soccer is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process, as well as during employment. Applicants who require an accommodation may contact Human Resources to request assistance.

 

Join our team and help support the growth and success of Major League Soccer.