Toronto, Canada – (May 22, 2025) – Canadian Soccer Business (CSB) today announced the appointment of
one of the world’s leading soccer executives, James Johnson, to the newly-created role of Group Chief Executive
Officer (CEO).
Johnson — who brings a wealth of international experience after serving in leadership roles at FIFA, the Asian
Football Confederation (AFC), City Football Group and, most recently, Football Australia — will be responsible
for leveraging the organization’s distinct assets to maximize opportunities for partners, fans and stakeholders as
CSB plays a central role in shaping the sport’s commercial success in Canada.
His appointment comes at a pivotal time for Canadian soccer, as the country prepares to co-host FIFA World
Cup 2026TM️. It exemplifies CSB’s aim to create a globally recognized soccer environment for Canada and to
drive growth that benefits the game, through its comprehensive commercial and organizational portfolio, which
includes a long-term rights agreement with Canada Soccer as well as the ownership and management of the
Canadian Premier League (CPL) and League1 Canada.
“James brings a rare combination of global insight, strategic leadership, and a deep passion for developing the
sport at every level,” said Scott Mitchell, Chair, Canadian Soccer Business Board of Directors. “His vision aligns
perfectly with CSB’s goal to build a sustainable, progressive, and globally recognized soccer environment for
Canada.”
Johnson will also sit on the board of OneSoccer, where he will drive forward a comprehensive media strategy
for the distribution of all CSB’s rights.
“His appointment is a testament both to his track record shaping and delivering large-scale, sustainable initiatives
across multiple jurisdictions, and his recognition of the tremendous potential CSB has in the years ahead,” said
Mitchell.
Johnson joins CSB after most recently serving as Chief Executive Officer at Football Australia for more than five
years. His tenure marked one of the most successful and transformational periods in Australian soccer history,
which saw unprecedented revenue growth and participation numbers as well as the staging of a record-breaking
FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 and securing the right to host the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2026.
His extensive global perspective, experience in broadcast negotiations and overall track record uniquely position
Johnson to steer CSB’s strategic growth in the years ahead.
“I am honored to join CSB and feel a real sense of excitement from the momentum building behind Canadian
soccer,” said Johnson. “I look forward to working with all stakeholders to support growth for all. We will build on
CSB’s unique assets to foster a thriving and inclusive soccer community, putting innovation, collaboration and
strategic partnerships at the heart of all we do.”
Johnson will begin in his new role starting later this summer.
-30-
About Canadian Soccer Business
Canadian Soccer Business (CSB) represents a suite of top-tier national assets that are central to the sport of soccer in
Canada. This includes representation for all corporate partnerships and media rights (broadcast and distribution) related
to Canada Soccer’s core assets including the Men’s and Women’s National Team and the TELUS Canadian
Championship, along with all rights associated with the Canadian Premier League (CPL) and League1 Canada.
For more information, please contact:
Laura Armstrong,
Senior Director, Communications
Canadian Soccer Business, Canadian Premier League and OneSoccer
laura.armstrong@canpl.ca
