NC native Eddie Pope joins MLS in senior leadership role

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER

High Point native Eddie Pope is Major League Soccer's senior vice president of sporting development and senior VP of competition and operations for MLS Next Pro.

Eddie Pope’s returning to Major League Soccer in an executive role.

Pope, a High Point native and a stalwart on the U.S. national team, is joining the MLS office as senior vice president of sporting development and senior vice president of competition and operations for MLS Next Pro. He’ll support strategic alignment of development pathways across the MLS ladder and oversee development and execution of the long-term sporting vision for second division MLS Next Pro. Pope will supervise sporting including competition, medical, player relations, and operations departments. 

"I'm very proud to join Major League Soccer,” Pope said in a statement. “Having spent my entire professional playing career in the league, this is a natural next step for me," Pope said in a statement. “I’ve been impressed by MLS’ tremendous commitment to investing in player development and strengthening the pro player pathway. I'm excited to join those efforts, build on that momentum, and contribute to the league's continued growth.” 

Pope will provide strategic leadership to advance MLS Next’s long-term vision and continued growth across its business and sporting priorities, as well as support planning and execution of premier events, to strengthening its role as the top pathway for elite youth talent.

Pope will also direct Major League Soccer's on-field innovation efforts through new sporting initiatives and rules across the MLS ladder of leagues.

"Eddie is an ideal fit for this role," said Ali Curtis, MLS’ executive vice president of sporting development and president of MLS Next Pro. … “Through every stage of his career – as a legendary player and as an executive – Eddie has always carried himself with class, professionalism, and integrity. He embodies what we aspire for players to be, both on and off the field. Eddie's perspective and experience will be invaluable as we work to grow the game, evolve MLS, and develop the next generation."  

Pope, who played collegiately at North Carolina, was drafted second overall by D.C. United in the inaugural 1996 MLS College Draft. A U.S. Men’s National Team defender and three-time MLS Cup winner, he earned 82 international caps and played in three FIFA World Cups and the 1996 Olympics. Pope was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2011 and the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 2026.

Since retiring as a player, Pope has been director of player relations for the MLS Players Association and MLS Next Pro side Carolina Core FC’s chief sporting officer.

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