USL Names Paul McDonough President & CEO
The United Soccer League (USL) has announced Paul McDonough as their new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective 1st June.
McDonough will lead the league’s strategy, operations and execution as the USL advances its long-term vision for professional soccer in the United States.
As part of this transition, Alec Papadakis will move from CEO to Co-Chair of the USL Board, and BellTower CEO Kewsong Lee will be elevated from Vice Chair to Co-Chair.
“I’m honored to step into this role and grateful for the trust of the Board,” McDonough said. “The USL is about giving every fan a home, every player a pathway, and ensuring every community has a place in the sport.
“We’re building a connected soccer system across every level where performance drives opportunity and ambition is rewarded. With USL Premier and promotion and relegation ahead, we’re putting a structure in place that introduces a true meritocracy to the sport in the United States for the first time.
“I look forward to working closely with our clubs, ownership groups, and leadership team as we continue reshaping professional soccer in this country.”
“It has been the privilege of my career to help build the USL over the past 16 years,” Papadakis added. “From the beginning, this has been about expanding access to the sport and strengthening the connection between our communities and the global game of soccer.
“I’m especially proud of the team and what we’ve been able to accomplish together. I have full confidence in Paul and the leadership group as they drive USL’s next exciting chapter.”
Papadakis has led the USL for almost two decades, overseeing its growth into a national platform spanning youth, pre-professional, and professional soccer across the men’s and women’s game.
Under his leadership, the USL has expanded into more than 200 communities across 45 states and built a broad development system across the sport.
The USL is preparing for the launch of USL Premier, establishing a three-division professional structure alongside the USL Championship and USL League One.
The league is also advancing plans for promotion and relegation across its professional tiers, creating a connected, merit-based system designed to elevate competition and expand opportunity across the pyramid.
