The National Women's Soccer League announced on Tuesday that Jeff Plush – a veteran Major League Soccer executive who won an MLS Cup with the Colorado Rapids – has been named Commissioner ahead of the league’s new season this spring.
Plush served as the Rapids’ managing director from 2006-11 and helped the club win the only MLS Cup title in franchise history in 2010. During that time he also served on the Board of Governors of Major League Soccer and Soccer United Marketing, while also serving on the Board of Directors for the global media business of London-based Arsenal Football Club of the English Premier League.
He also oversaw the on-time and on-budget building of the team's soccer-specific stadium and 24-field sport complex, sold one of the largest net naming rights deals in MLS history with Dick's Sporting Goods and launched the nationally acclaimed Rapids Youth Academy.
"I am thrilled and quite frankly humbled to have this opportunity to be the Commissioner of the National Women's Soccer League," Plush said in a statement. "I am truly excited to build on the great work that has already been accomplished in the last two years. I am extremely passionate about this sport and very excited to be a part of the women's game, especially with the exemplary young women that play in this league who continually demonstrate a commitment to their fans and communities.
“With the continued dedication of our owners, players, coaches and staffs along with the support of the Canadian, Mexican and U.S. Federations, we will continue to grow this amazing product into a sustainable and vibrant league."
The nine-team NWSL will begin its third season in April. Plush replaces Cheryl Bailey, who was appointed as league commissioner by USSF president Sunil Gulati in 2012 and oversaw the league's first two seasons of existence. She stepped down following the 2014 season.
