Xavier Asensi Named Doug Hamilton Executive of the Year;
Chris Albright Named Sporting Executive of the Year
NEW YORK, N.Y. (December 11, 2023) – 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 SC 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
About Major League Soccer
Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer – celebrating its 28th season in 2023 – features 30 clubs throughout the United States and Canada, including a new expansion team in San Diego that will debut in 2025. All MLS, Leagues Cup, playoff matches, and select MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT matches can be watched through MLS Season Pass, available on the Apple TV app on Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, set-top boxes, and game consoles, and the web at tv.apple.com. MLS Season Pass will feature the most expansive and accessible lineup of programming ever for MLS fans. For more information about MLS, visit mlssoccer.com. For more information about the Apple TV app, visit apple.com/apple-tv-app.
