MLS names Charles Altchek EVP of Club Performance and League Growth; Ali Curtis appointed President of MLS NEXT Pro

Both appointments leverage extensive MLS experience, with Altchek bringing over a decade of league service to his new role overseeing club business performance and expansion opportunities. Since joining MLS in 2014, he has helped establish nearly a third of the league's current teams while most recently building MLS NEXT Pro from concept to a 29-team competition. 

Curtis, a former Hermann Trophy winner at Duke and the No. 2 selection of the 2001 MLS SuperDraft, transitions to development leadership after successful General Manager stints with both the New York Red Bulls and Toronto FC.

Altchek's new role will be focused on club performance, recognizing his decade-long contributions to the league’s growth. MLS Commissioner Don Garber highlighted his pivotal work in launching and expanding MLS NEXT Pro, as well as his extensive experience collaborating with clubs across the MLS ecosystem. 

"Charles has played an integral role in the growth of Major League Soccer over the past decade,” Garber said in a press release. “His leadership in launching and expanding MLS NEXT Pro, his work with clubs across our ecosystem, and his experience at the team level make him uniquely qualified to lead our efforts in club performance. I’m confident he’ll bring the same focus and strategic vision to this role as we continue to drive growth across the League.”

MLS Executive Vice President of Sporting and Competition, Nelson Rodriguez, praised Curtis' strategic vision and his role in driving innovation across the league. Rodriguez emphasized that Ali’s leadership will be key in guiding MLS NEXT Pro through its next phase of growth and development.

“Having contributed to our sport as a player, a club executive, and a league executive, Ali has the experience, strategic mindset, and vision to lead MLS NEXT Pro,” Rodriguez said in a press release. “He has been instrumental in bringing innovative changes to MLS and is the ideal leader to guide MLS NEXT Pro into its next chapter of growth.”

The timing of these executive appointments reflects MLS's strategic focus on maximizing club business performance and streamlining its development pathway as North America prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. These complementary executive roles highlight the league's dual focus on immediate business growth and long-term sporting infrastructure as MLS positions itself to capitalize on unprecedented global attention during and after the tournament.