Soccer United Marketing President and Major League Soccer Executive Vice President Douglas Quinn announced Monday the restructuring of the Team Services department at both organizations and appointed longstanding MLS executive Brad Pursel Senior Director of Broadcasting and Team Services for MLS and SUM.
Pursel, beginning his eighth season in Major League Soccer's front office, will build upon his experience as Senior Director of Broadcasting & Operations as he broadens his role in MLS and SUM, the preeminent commercial soccer company in the United States. In his expanded role, Pursel will be the primary liaison between MLS and its teams, working to improve communication and enhance marketing programs, ticket sales and broadcast initiatives.
Pursel will continue to perform his broadcasting functions for Major League Soccer, including the development and management of the League's game and national television schedules as well as overseeing MLS Direct Kick, the League's growing pay subscription package. In addition, he will coordinate broadcasts of the various SUM properties, including the domestic English-language TV rights to the 2006 FIFA World Cup to be broadcast on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2.
"Major League Soccer and Soccer United Marketing are committed to implementing a corporate structure that takes advantage of every opportunity to build the sport of soccer in this country," said Quinn. "During his tenure at Major League Soccer, Brad has proved his dedication to that goal countless times. He is the perfect fit for this expanded role and will facilitate greater communication, cooperation, and integration of League initiatives and best practices with our team and stadium personnel."
Pursel began his career at MLS in the Operations Department and quickly became the Director of Game Operations for the League. In that role, he oversaw game day production, television coordination, compliance with League policies and procedures, Spring Training, and game operations for the All-Star and MLS Cup Championship Games.
Prior to joining Major League Soccer, Pursel worked in public relations and operations for the American Professional Soccer League. A 1995 graduate of Lafayette College, Pursel is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Sports Business from New York University.
