The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) announced today that it has entered into a management agreement with Playbook Management International (PMI). As part of the agreement, former Major League Soccer (MLS) club executive and PMI Founding Partner Michael Hitchcock will serve as the league’s new commissioner.
“We are very excited to announce that Michael Hitchcock will serve as the new NPSL Commissioner and feel that with the addition of Michael and his company, the NPSL is on the verge of great times ahead,” NPSL Chairman Andy Zorovich commented.
Hitchcock is a MLS success story, starting as an entry-level sales representative and finishing his 12+ year career in the league as a club president and general manager. His time includes work with D.C. United, the Colorado Rapids, the LA Galaxy, FC Dallas, and the San Antonio Scorpions (NASL).
Hitchcock claimed several accolades in his time with the league, including the MLS Sales Director of the Year, MLS Sales Team of the Year, and the Commissioner’s New Business Leadership Award.
“Michael Hitchcock is well respected inside soccer circles,” NPSL Secretary and Brooklyn Italians Vice President Joe Barone stated. “Michael will work with the existing teams to further stabilize them and create a model to further understand their unique markets. The growth of the NPSL will be very strategic. Michael will play a critical part in the future of the NPSL.”
PMI, based in Frisco (TX), is one of North America’s most respected sports management companies. They boast a worldwide client list and their executives have a combined 75 years of professional sports management experience. They also maintain offices in Gaithersburg (MD), Atlanta (GA), and Ft. Lauderdale (FL).
“On behalf of PMI, I’m looking forward to working with the leadership of NPSL and the passionate, committed owners in developing a model of sustainability, strategically building the league and growing the beautiful game in every NPSL market,” Hitchcock continued. “I believe in the incredible potential of the NPSL and know that it plays a critical role in the continued growth of the sport of soccer in the United States.”
The NPSL is a national league that operates in the 4 th Division of the U.S. Soccer pyramid, which also includes the Premier Development League (PDL) operated by the United Soccer Leagues (USL). NPSL teams are eligible to participate in the U.S. Open Cup through their affiliation with the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA). The NPSL operates in 60+ markets from across the country and is currently one of the fastest- growing soccer leagues in the U.S. Two MLS clubs, D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls, operate U-23 squads in the NPSL.
