MLS Announces 2023 Mark Abbott Club and Executive Awards Winners
Published on December 11, 2023 under Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release
NEW YORK, N.Y. - Major League Soccer announced today the winners of its year-end awards recognizing clubs and executives for outstanding contributions throughout the 2023 season.
"The collective ingenuity, diligence and passion of the executives of our clubs were a driving force behind the record-setting success of Major League Soccer in 2023," said Chris McGowan, MLS Executive Vice President, Chief Club Performance Officer. "On behalf of everyone at the League office, congratulations to all of the recipients of the Mark Abbott Club Executive Awards, and to everyone who was considered for their innovative work this season."
Inter Miami CF Chief Business Officer Xavier Asensi has been named Doug Hamilton Executive of the Year. Asensi played a significant role in bringing global superstar Lionel Messi to Inter Miami CF, and effectively managed all areas of the club's business operations as it achieved significant growth in revenue and engagement across its digital content.
FC Cincinnati General Manager Chris Albright has been named Sporting Executive of the Year. FC Cincinnati continues to reach new heights under his direction, winning the 2023 MLS Supporters' Shield following the club's first postseason berth in 2022. Albright has been key to the club's success by overseeing the effective acquisition (through transfers and the MLS SuperDraft), retention, and development of its players.
Inter Miami CF led all clubs with four total awards, followed by Nashville SC, who won three. Atlanta United, Columbus Crew, FC Cincinnati, Los Angeles Football Club, and expansion club St. Louis CITY FC each won two awards.
A complete list of 2023 Mark Abbott MLS Club and Executive Awards winners is below.
2023 Mark Abbott MLS Club and Executive Awards Winners
Doug Hamilton Executive of the Year - Xavier Asensi, Inter Miami CF
Sporting Executive of the Year - Chris Albright, FC Cincinnati
Academy of the Year - Columbus Crew
Club Administrator of the Year - Jeffrey Robben, Nashville SC
Communications Club of the Year - Sporting Kansas City
Consumer Products Club of the Year - Nashville SC
Corporate Partnership Activation of the Year - St. Louis CITY SC
Corporate Partnership Club of the Year - Los Angeles Football Club
Digital Activation of the Year - Nashville SC
Digital and Social Media Club of the Year - Inter Miami CF
eMLS Club of the Year - Atlanta United
Equipment Manager and Staff of the Year - Sean Ruiz, New York Red Bulls
Inclusion and Impact Award - Seattle Sounders FC
Marisa Colaiano Community Relations Club of the Year - Chicago Fire FC
Marketing Club of the Year - St. Louis CITY SC
Marketing Initiative of the Year - Inter Miami CF
Medical Staff of the Year - Austin FC
Operations Club of the Year - Los Angeles Football Club
Security Club of the Year - Inter Miami CF
Strategy and Business Intelligence Club of the Year - Orlando City SC
Supporter Management Club of the Year - Atlanta United
Ticket Sales Club of the Year - FC Cincinnati
Ticket Sales Initiative of the Year - Columbus Crew
Major League Soccer Stories from December 11, 2023
- Inter Miami CF to Participate in Riyadh Season Cup as Part of International Tour During 2024 Preseason - Inter Miami CF
- LA Galaxy Acquire $400,000 in General Allocation Money from CF Montréal in Exchange for Defender Raheem Edwards - LA Galaxy
- CF Montréal Acquires Defender Raheem Edwards from LA Galaxy - Club de Foot Montreal
- DRV PNK Stadium Hosts Passion of Friendly Between Colombia and Venezuela - Inter Miami CF
- Concacaf to Hold 2024 Champions Cup Official Draw Wednesday Night - FC Cincinnati
- Orlando City SC Named Major League Soccer's 2023 Strategy and Business Intelligence Club of the Year - Orlando City SC
- Charlotte FC Homegrown Nimfasha Berchimas Nominated for U.S. Soccer Young Male Player of the Year - Charlotte FC
- Austin FC Agrees to Trade with New England Revolution - Austin FC
- Orlando City SC Announces End-Of-Season Statuses Following End of 2023 MLS Season - Orlando City SC
- Nashville Soccer Club Acquires Midfielder Dru Yearwood in Trade with New York Red Bulls - Nashville SC
- Ariel Lassiter Called up by Costa Rica National Team - Club de Foot Montreal
- Paul Walters Training Trip to Germany About Expanding his Soccer Mind, Getting out of his Comfort Zone, and Improving International Relations - FC Cincinnati
- Chris Albright Named MLS Sporting Executive of the Year - FC Cincinnati
- MLS Announces 2023 Mark Abbott Club and Executive Awards Winners - MLS
- FC Series Match Between Orlando City SC and Flamengo Moves to Exploria Stadium - Orlando City SC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
