Vice President, Business Strategy & Commercial Operations, MLS NEXT Pro

Overview
The Vice President, Business Strategy & 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
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