Full-Time
Event Retail Director
Updated on 5/12/2026
Major League Soccer
1,001-5,000 employees
North American pro soccer league media
Compensation Overview
$120k - $150k/yr
New York, NY, USA
Hybrid
On-site four days per week with one remote day; based in NYC.
 Retail (1) |
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- Bachelor’s Degree required
- 8+ years of experience required
- Strategic mindset to building business cases for taking calculated risks to grow consumer products, understanding of business dynamics, and analysis of competitive marketplace.
- Analytical skillset and data-driven approach to decision making.
- Sound understanding of retail systems and practices.
- High-energy and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to operate and communicate effectively in a team-oriented and collaborative environment.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver aggressive KPIs in defined timeframes.
- Ability to lead contract terms and experience working with legal professionals.
- Strong written and slide development presentation skills for clear communication.
- Attention to detail when multi-tasking across various projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Comfortable managing multiple projects, prioritizing, and working under tight deadlines.
- High-quality interpersonal and influencing skills to work cross-functionally in a complex organization.
- Comfortable in both large, matrixed organizations, and in lean, “start-up like” environments
- High-level of commitment to a quality work and organizational ethics, integrity, and compliance
- Demonstrated decision making and problem-solving skills.
- Strong interpersonal, communication; written and verbal, and presentation skills.
- Commitment to building positive team environments, and to working effectively within such teams.
- Travel (~20%) and work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Lead On-Site Retail Execution: Oversee all aspects of retail at League Events, including product assortment, merchandising, fan engagement, and marketing, ensuring a seamless experience.
- Manage Event Retail Partners: Collaborate with Event Retail Partners to handle retail purchases, operations, and on-site sales to achieve high performance.
- Coordinate Contracts & Deliverables: Facilitate contracts and manage deliverables with Event Retail Partners, agencies, and external stakeholders to ensure smooth execution.
- Budget & ROI Management: Manage retail budgets and assess return on investment to drive future growth and optimization.
- Collaborate with MLS Departments: Work closely with MLS Events, and other internal teams to ensure retail aligns with the fan experience and enterprise goals.
- Product Assortment Strategy: Partner with the licensing team to ensure a relevant, compelling, and trend-forward product assortment that appeals to diverse fan segments.
- Drive Retail Revenue & Engagement: Identify and implement strategies to boost retail sales and fan engagement at events.
- Innovate Merchandising & Marketing: Drive new merchandising, marketing, and promotional strategies that elevate the fan experience at each event.
- Sales Tracking & Reporting: Oversee sales goals, track performance, and handle reporting, analytics, and reconciliation.
- On-Site Retail Operations: Manage the set-up, partner relations, and troubleshooting of retail activities at events to ensure smooth operations.
- Market Research & Innovation: Stay ahead of industry trends and monitor competitor practices, introducing innovative solutions for the League’s retail operations.
- Cross-Department Collaboration: Partner with internal teams (e.g., Events, Marketing, BI, and Broadcast) to integrate retail into broader strategic initiatives.
- Develop Reports & Materials: Create sell-in materials, PR reports, and recaps for internal and external stakeholders.
- Share Insights & Tools: Lead the collection of fan insights and sales data, sharing key findings with partners to drive better results.
- Support Global Partner Initiatives: Assist with the execution of key initiatives in event spaces, supporting global partner relationships.
- Engage Retail Accounts: Build and maintain strong relationships with retail partners to ensure MLS stays top of mind through ongoing communication and presentations.
- New Retail Partnerships: Identify and engage potential retail partners and channels to expand business opportunities for SUM licensees.
- Assist Licensees with Product Sell-In: Provide data-driven insights to support product buys for MLS Licensees.
- Fan Engagement & Activations: Implement continuous fan engagement strategies to boost awareness and drive product sales.
- Elevated Merchandising: Ensure MLS products are presented effectively in retail environments and support digital marketing and landing pages.
- Strategic Business Analysis: Analyze sales performance and recommend strategic adjustments to optimize product buys with key accounts.
- Marketing Budget Oversight: Manage the annual marketing budget and conduct ROI analysis for retail initiatives.
- Local Fan Engagement: Collaborate with MLS Clubs to foster local fan engagement through targeted retail activations.
- Cross-Functional Retail Initiatives: Work with internal departments on cross-functional retail opportunities, including sponsorships and events.
- Collaborate with Licensing Team: Provide feedback and work with the MLS Licensing team to create and improve product offerings.
- Strategic Reporting: Develop quarterly and annual business reports for upper management and clubs, supporting strategic planning initiatives.
- Procedure & Policy Enforcement: Develop departmental procedures, productivity standards, and ensure adherence to company policies.
- Additional Duties: Perform other responsibilities as assigned.
- Knowledge of the Spanish Language (business proficiency)
- Sports League experience
- Deep knowledge and interest in Major League Soccer, our Clubs, and Players
Major League Soccer is the top professional soccer league in North America, delivering digital content, live scores, highlights, news, and tickets for matches to soccer fans. Its product works through MLS Digital Properties, which provides 24/7 online advertising opportunities, and through Soccer United Marketing (SUM) partnerships that run turnkey programs across content, video, mobile, and social media. This combination creates a distinctive media and marketing network tied to the league, enabling consistent fan engagement across multiple channels. The goal is to grow soccer’s fan base in North America and increase revenue from ads, sponsorships, and live-event experiences.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
Debt Financing
Total Funding
$25M
Headquarters
New York City, New York
Founded
1996
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- 2026 FIFA World Cup boosts MLS visibility with six-week schedule break and Messi milestones.
- Head & Shoulders partnership features Diego Luna in spring 2026 TV campaigns.
- New 126,000 sq ft Manhattan HQ at 2 Penn Plaza enhances global operations hub.
What critics are saying
- Don Garber's contract expires mid-2027-28 season, creating leadership vacuum via Korn Ferry search.
- Apple media deal ends 3.5 years early, slashing revenue during World Cup window.
- Inter Miami's $54.57M payroll imbalance locks talent, eroding league parity immediately.
What makes Major League Soccer unique
- MLS Innovation Lab integrates AI startups like Springbok Analytics for 3D muscle injury prevention.
- MLS partners exclusively with Apple TV for all 2026 regular season broadcasts.
- MLS launches Hometown Soccer Holdings JV with KKR to centralize MLS Next Pro commercial rights.
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Your Connections
People at Major League Soccer who can refer or advise you
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Wellness Program
Unlimited Paid Time Off
Hybrid Work Options
Professional Development Budget
Company News
MLS teams up with DataGrail for AI-driven data governance. As part of the agreement, MLS and 23 clubs will onboard the DataGrail platform. North America's Major League Soccer (MLS) has brought in data software company DataGrail to manage fan data as part of its wider governance and digital transformation plans. The partnership comes as part of a broader league-wide initiative, which requires all clubs to implement a formal privacy management platform, with 23 MLS clubs set to onboard the DataGrail platform throughout the year, with the remaining seven clubs to use approved third-party solutions. As part of the agreement, MLS and DataGrail will implement a centralized solution to automate privacy workflows, manage personal data across its Fan Genome 360 intelligence platform, stream compliance processes, and deliver a personalized consent experience for fans. The initiative comes as MLS experiences major growth both on and off the pitch, with the league projecting further growth on the back of the US hosting the flagship FIFA 2026 World Cup later this year. John Sullivan, MLS chief information officer, said: "Sportcal is in one of the most important moments in the evolution of global soccer, where data, AI, and fan engagement are becoming deeply interconnected. "Our collaboration with DataGrail allows us to modernize how we manage and protect fan data by leveraging AI-driven automation and continuous data intelligence. Just as importantly, it establishes a scalable governance model - empowering clubs to operate independently while giving the league centralized visibility and control across a rapidly expanding digital ecosystem." The league said the partnership will further its digital transformation objectives by using DataGrail's data privacy platform to "enable automated data mapping and discovery across 2,500 systems, centralized data subject request fulfilment, and verifiable consent management." Daniel Barber, chief executive of DataGrail, said: "MLS needed a platform built for the complexity of modern multi-entity organizations. Only DataGrail provides continuous data mapping, complete multi-brand governance, and the scalability to support a world-class privacy program. "Combined with best-in-class implementation support, we're not just deploying technology - we're helping MLS build a program that strengthens their brand and minimizes risk as their digital footprint grows." The partnership comes after MLS brought in US financial technology heavyweight Chime as a new commercial partner to join Audi, Walmart, Polymarket, Continental Tres, Corpay, and Adidas. Give your business an edge with its leading industry insights.
Head & Shoulders announces partnership with Major League Soccer featuring rising star Diego Luna. Head & Shoulders, the world's #1 anti-dandruff shampoo, is helping make the beautiful game even more beautiful by unveiling the brand's first ever entrance into soccer in the United States through a partnership with Major League Soccer (MLS) as the Official Shampoo of MLS, celebrating the league's history of great hair and helping the nation's best soccer players stay confident on and off the pitch. CINCINNATI-(BUSINESS WIRE)-Head & Shoulders, the world's #1 anti-dandruff shampoo, is helping make the beautiful game even more beautiful by unveiling the brand's first ever entrance into soccer in the United States through a partnership with Major League Soccer (MLS) as the Official Shampoo of MLS, celebrating the league's history of great hair and helping the nation's best soccer players stay confident on and off the pitch. To celebrate the partnership, Head & Shoulders is teaming up with rising MLS star and U.S. international forward Diego Luna to highlight the importance of scalp care, sharing how he makes sure pesky flakes are no match for his attention to the game. Every athlete knows the importance of keeping their head in the game. Dandruff can become a bothersome distraction for anyone, star player or not, forcing you to worry more about itching or flakes than scoring goals or making a key save. When the lights are brightest, you truly can't afford to be taken out of the moment. That's why top players trust Head & Shoulders to fight flakes with every wash, helping them look good, feel confident, and stay locked in on the pitch. As a big year for soccer kicks off in the U.S., Head & Shoulders' MLS creative centers around making a good first impression by fighting flakes, spotlighting Luna as he demonstrates how he stays focused each time he steps onto the field - always prepared for high-pressure moments. The campaign will kick off this spring with Luna appearing in recurring TV spots, digital content, and more. "Staying focused is one of the most important things for me when I'm on the field. Between all my matches and travel I need my routine to be consistent so I look and feel my best, with no distractions," said Diego Luna. "That's why I'm so excited to work with Head & Shoulders. They help me have one less thing to worry about so I can focus on helping my team win on the field." "Our partnership with Major League Soccer is about community, culture, and pride. Soccer in the U.S. is powered by global roots and local passion, where diverse backgrounds shape the energy and identity of the sport. At Head & Shoulders, we've been fighting dandruff since 1961. Decades of proven science make us the go-to choice for players and fans alike, so nothing - not flakes, not itch - gets in the way of confidence. Because confidence isn't just about how you play, it's how you show up," said Omar Goff, North America End-to-End Commercial Leader for Head & Shoulders. "We're proud to be the Official Shampoo of MLS and celebrate the announcement by partnering with Diego Luna. He brings style, presence, and pride every time he steps on the pitch, representing a generation that shows up with skill, identity, and confidence. Together, we're making scalp care part of the everyday ritual, helping everyone stay ready, look sharp, feel confident, have great, healthy hair, and make a great first impression." Head & Shoulders fights flakes with every wash, delivering proven protection and hair that's always match-ready so dandruff and irritation get sent off the pitch. With Head & Shoulders in your daily lineup, you can approach every day with confidence, keep your head in the game, and always show up feeling like a star whether you're stepping onto the pitch or cheering from the stands. For the latest news, visit HeadandShoulders.com or follow along on Head & Shoulders' Instagram (@headandshoulders) and TikTok (@headandshoulders) to see more from the partnership with MLS and Luna. About Procter & Gamble P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always(R), Ambi Pur(R), Ariel(R), Bounty(R), Charmin(R), Crest(R), Dawn(R), Downy(R), Fairy(R), Febreze(R), Gain(R), Gillette(R), Head & Shoulders(R), Lenor(R), Olay(R), Oral-B(R), Pampers(R), Pantene(R), SK-II(R), Tide(R), Vicks(R), and Whisper(R). The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit https://www.pg.com for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands. For other P&G news, visit us at https://www.pg.com/news. About Head & Shoulders With over 60 years of trailblazing innovation on scalp care, Head & Shoulders has established itself as the leader in dandruff protection and is the world's #1 anti-dandruff shampoo, used by 1.3 billion people across 140 countries. Head & Shoulders provides a broad range of cosmetic benefits and offers custom solutions for different hair types and scalp concerns.
New Mexico United announces exclusive multi-year partnership with Players Pins. New Mexico United announced today an exclusive multi-year partnership with Players Pins to bring limited-edition collectible pins to United fans. Players Pins, known for collaborating with teams across the National Basketball Association (NBA), Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), Major League Soccer (MLS), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Major League Baseball (MLB), Minor League Baseball (MiLB), National Hockey League (NHL), and American Hockey League (AHL), will partner with New Mexico United to create exclusive pin designs inspired by the club, its players, and the culture of the Black & Yellow. Fans received the first New Mexico United x Players Pins release exclusively during the club's season kickoff celebration, the Black & Yellow Bash. The first 500 fans in attendance received an individually numbered collectable pin modeled after United's new home jersey, the Mural Kit. The collectible pin mirrors the jersey's distinctive design, which reflects the club's Mission of Art & Sport. Throughout the season, fans can expect additional collectible pin releases through retail drops and special giveaways at New Mexico United home matches. Future Players Pins Collectibles will feature limited-edition designs that are individually numbered and will never be re-released. More details on future releases will be announced throughout the season.
Major League Soccer names Dr. George T. Chiampas as new Chief Medical Officer. Major League Soccer has appointed Dr. George T. Chiampas as its new Chief Medical Officer, placing one of the country's most experienced leaders in emergency and sports medicine at the helm of player health and safety across the league. The announcement was made on March 5, as MLS said Chiampas will lead and refine the league's overall strategy for player health, performance, and medical safety. Currently an Assistant Professor and Associate Director of Emergency Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chiampas brings more than two decades of experience spanning clinical care, academic leadership, and sports medicine. In his new role, MLS says he will help strengthen the league's medical leadership as it continues to expand and evolve, with a focus on innovation, best practices, and athlete well-being. Chiampas is widely known in the world of event and sports medicine. Since 2007, he has served as Chief Medical and Safety Officer of the Chicago Marathon, where he has helped shape modern standards in race safety and emergency preparedness. Since 2014, he has also served as Chief Medical Officer for the United States Soccer Federation and currently sits on the medical committees of FIFA and CONCACAF. His résumé also includes work as a team physician for the Chicago Blackhawks since 2010, consulting work for the National Football League, and his current role as a team physician with the Chicago Bears. "Dr. Chiampas' decision to join MLS is another indication of our being a league of choice," said Nelson Rodriguez, MLS Executive Vice President of Sporting and Matchday. "His experience and expertise in the game and passion for the well-being of our players will accelerate MLS 3.0." Board certified in both Emergency Medicine and Sports Medicine, Chiampas has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed publications and also serves as Executive Director of Northwestern Medicine's Disaster Management and Community Emergency Preparedness Initiative. He earned his undergraduate degree from Loyola University Chicago and his medical degree from Midwestern University. He completed his residency in Emergency Medicine at Cook County Hospital in Chicago and later completed a fellowship in Sports Medicine at Resurrection Medical Center. Chiampas succeeds Dr. Margot Putukian, who is stepping down after eight years in the role. MLS credited Putukian with helping guide the league through the COVID-19 pandemic and advancing mental health initiatives aimed at supporting players on and off the field. "On behalf of MLS, we extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Putukian for her remarkable leadership, compassion, and steady guidance over the course of her tenure," Rodriguez said. "She has been a trusted voice and a strong advocate for our players, and we are deeply grateful for all she has given to the League." Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer is marking its 31st season in 2026 and now features 30 clubs across the United States and Canada.
MLS selects Korn Ferry to run search for next commissioner. February 24, 2026 2:20pm Major League Soccer owners have tapped Korn Ferry to run their search for a potential new commissioner, according to multiple people familiar with the matter. Korn Ferry's selection is part of formal discussions that began last year about a succession plan for Don Garber, said the people, who were granted anonymity because the details are private. Garber has held the role since 1999, and his current contract runs through the end of the 2027 season. A new "succession committee" comprising MLS owners met for the first time at league meetings in November. The committee, which Garber appointed, separately retained The Miles Group (TMG) to help advise on the succession process, and TMG has been meeting with people around the league since the middle of last year, sources said. Korn Ferry's mandate will be more specifically aimed at sourcing and evaluating candidates. Garber was involved in the selection process, a source said, though the decision was made by the committee. "As part of the comprehensive organizational review initiated last year to evaluate MLS' leadership structure, operational effectiveness, and long-term governance, the Board of Governors and Commissioner Garber have retained an executive search firm to support succession planning," an MLS spokesman said in a statement. "This step reflects responsible long-term planning and is aligned with the league's broader evolution." The spokesman declined to comment on the firm itself. A representative from Korn Ferry declined to comment. MLS was just a few years into operations - and struggling to gain footing - when Garber was hired from the NFL. In his two and half decades at the helm, he's overseen the league's dramatic growth. MLS now has 30 franchises, with an average valuation of $767 million. On Sportico's list of the 50 most valuable soccer teams in the world, MLS clubs occupy 19 spots, more than any other league. That said, the league is entering a critical phase, one that may require the direction of its long-term leadership. MLS' media deal with Apple was recently revised to end three-and-a-half years earlier than originally expected, and the league is flipping its calendar to more closely match the big European leagues in 2027. The U.S. is also co-hosting the World Cup later this year, an opportunity that league owners have trumpeted for the past decade. With the calendar flip, Garber's contract now expires in the middle of the 2027-28 season, a less-than-ideal time for a leadership transition. It's unclear if Garber would pursue a new contract, or how receptive owners would be if he did. There are already big changes underway at the league office. Deputy commissioner Mark Abbott stepped down a few years ago, and CMO Radhika Duggal started last year. In November, deputy commissioner Gary Stevenson, who has been at the league since 2013, told board members he was leaving this year. (An earlier version of this story incorrectly referenced an outdated Sports Business Journal story that had been corrected. That reference was removed from the third paragraph).