USL names Paul McDonough CEO as USL Premier plans advance

The United Soccer League has named Paul McDonough as president and chief executive officer, effective from June 1, in a leadership transition tied to the organisation’s next phase of competition and commercial development.The change comes as the USL pushes towards the launch of USL Premier and the introduction of promotion and relegation across its professional tiers, alongside a broader investor-backed growth plan.McDonough said: “I’m honored to step into this role and grateful for the trust of the Board. 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.”Outgoing chief executive Alec Papadakis will move to co-chair of the USL board, alongside BellTower chief executive Kewsong Lee, who has been elevated from vice chair.Papadakis said: “It has been the privilege of my career to help build the USL over the past 16 years. 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.”The USL said Papadakis has overseen expansion into more than 200 communities across 45 states and helped build a multi-level structure spanning youth, pre-professional and professional competitions across the men’s and women’s game.McDonough has been USL president and chief soccer officer since 2023, and previously held senior roles spanning club leadership and representation, including positions with Wasserman, Inter Miami and Atlanta United.The league said it accessed institutional capital for the first time in 2025 via a strategic partnership with BellTower Partners, with additional backing from a wider investor group.Implementation now shifts to the June 1 handover, with league leadership expected to set out further detail on USL Premier rollout and the mechanics and timing for promotion and relegation.