Payne brings vast experience to the PRFC front office

Carmelo Anthony, owner of the Puerto Rico Futbol Club, announces today that he has named Thomas Payne as the president of his new NASL organization. Payne is the former president of business operations of the LA Galaxy. Puerto Rico FC is scheduled to begin its first season at Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium in the 2016 Fall Season.

“We are excited to introduce Tom Payne as the newest addition to our front office staff,” Anthony said. “Tom brings a great deal of experience in the soccer space and I am looking forward to him utilizing his experience to bring PRFC to the front of the pack. He brings a unique approach and vision to the soccer business and we look forward to Puerto Rico Futbol Club under his leadership.”

A native of New York, Payne carries with him an extensive background in the sports and entertainment industry. Speaking of his new position, Payne said: “Taking on this role for PRFC is arguably one of the most exciting in soccer right now. I am thrilled to come to Puerto Rico and take on the responsibility and the challenge. I very much look forward to leading the PRFC organization, as we embark on the next and most important stage of our development both on and off the field.”

Payne is most well known for his work with the LA Galaxy, where he held a number of executive level positions which culminated with his time as the president of business operations from 2008-2012. In this role, Payne oversaw all facets of the Galaxy front office, including corporate partnerships, ticket sales, marketing, programming, communications, operations, and community development. Under his leadership, the Galaxy became the first club to have a profitable season in Major League Soccer, and also led the league in many revenue categories each year, including total revenues generated. The Galaxy also won several titles during his time in Los Angeles, including multiple MLS Cups.

Before joining the Galaxy, Payne served as a sales manager for Disney’s Wide World of Sports in Orlando from 1998-2003. At Disney, Payne helped create Disney’s Soccer Showcase, which for several years has been named by Soccer America, as the top-ranked youth/college soccer showcase in the country for top college bound prospects.