US Soccer selects former SUM executive Will Wilson as new CEO

The U.S. Soccer Federation named William Wilson as its new chief executive officer and secretary general on Monday. The 52-year-old joins the federation from global sports agency Wasserman, where he served as executive vice president and co-head of football for the past eight years. His tenure at the USSF officially begins next Monday.

Wilson fills the vacancy left after Dan Flynn stepped down from the position in September of 2019, ending his tenure of nearly two decades.

“We are thrilled Will is joining U.S. Soccer as our CEO,” USSF president Cindy Parlow Cone said in a statement.  “He brings an unrivaled set of experience and expertise to soccer in America. His global perspective, background in marketing and growing sporting events and extensive experience in the sports business will be invaluable in growing soccer at all levels. Soccer is the world’s game and Will is the perfect person to help us grow it to America’s game.”

Prior to Wasserman, Wilson served as Major League Soccer's executive vice president of international business and special events for MLS and Soccer United Marketing (SUM) from 2008 to 2012.

“I have known Will Wilson for quite some time,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber in a statement.  “He is highly respected throughout the sports business industry and is the right person at the right time to help guide U.S. Soccer.  I have confidence that he will be a collaborative and thoughtful leader and a great partner with new U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone, as the Federation manages through a multitude of crucial issues and opportunities.”  

During his time with SUM, Wilson managed all international business relationships, including FC Barcelona, Manchester United, the Concacaf Gold Cup, and the game partnership with the Mexican Football Federation. Wilson’s group also oversaw MLS’s marquee events, including their annual MLS All-Star Game and MLS Cup.

“I’m very excited to be joining U.S Soccer,” Wilson said in a statement. “I have always admired the federation from afar and have long felt that the U.S. Soccer crest is one of the best brands in the business. There is nothing like harnessing our nation’s support behind our Women’s and Men’s National Teams, and I see significant upside in our ability to work with our Membership to grow participation levels, increase our commercial business and drive our ability to compete on the field at the highest level.”