Accomplished Sports Executive Chris McGowan Named MLS Executive Vice President & Chief Club Performance Officer

NEW YORK (Monday, June 12, 2023) – Major League Soccer today announced that highly respected and accomplished sports executive Chris McGowan has been named Executive Vice President, Chief Club Performance Officer.

McGowan will lead MLS’ new Club Performance and Optimization group that will work to develop and implement strategies to drive club performance, growth and value. 

McGowan, who begins his new role today, brings to MLS more than two decades of experience in C-suite roles with three of the top organizations in North American sports. In his three previous roles before coming to MLS, McGowan was President & CEO Ilitch Sports and Entertainment, CEO and President of Vulcan Sports & Entertainment (VSE), and Chief Operating Officer of AEG Sports.  He will report to MLS Commissioner Don Garber. 

“Chris McGowan is one of the most talented executives in the sports industry, and we are pleased to have him join MLS is a senior executive role,” said Commissioner Garber. “He has the leadership qualities, track record of success in the industry, and life-long passion for soccer that make him the ideal executive to lead this important new department at MLS.”

View McGowan's Full Bio | Here

"I have been a fan and supporter of MLS since its inception and have always aspired to work full time in the sport of soccer,” said McGowan.  “This role is a terrific opportunity for me to work closely with Commissioner Garber and the 30 MLS clubs to help accelerate league-wide growth leading into the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and beyond.  "The future is very bright for soccer, and I am excited to be joining the talented team of people at MLS.”  

ABOUT MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER

Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer -- celebrating its 28th season in 2023 -- features 30 clubs throughout the United States and Canada, including a new expansion team in San Diego that will debut in 2025. All MLS, Leagues Cup,and select MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT matches can be watched through MLS Season Pass, available on the Apple TV app on Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, set-top boxes, and game consoles, and the web at tv.apple.com. MLS Season Pass will feature the most expansive and accessible lineup of programming ever for MLS fans. For more information about MLS, visit mlssoccer.com. For more information about the Apple TV app, visit apple.com/apple-tv-app.