Just weeks after formalizing their relationship, the Seattle Sounders and Seattle Reign announced their first joint executive hire on Thursday. Courtney Carter will serve as the organization’s new Chief Revenue Officer, bringing with her a wealth of experience in the entertainment and sports media industries. The Portland, Oregon native will oversee areas such as corporate sponsorships, ticket sales and revenue-generating opportunities at Longacres such as office space leasing, retail, residential and sporting and entertainment events.
“Coming back to the Pacific Northwest is a very meaningful moment because that’s where I fell in love with the game and learned a lot of life lessons along the way,” said Carter, who played football at Oregon State. “To say I’m a product of PNW football is something I’m proud to say, because that’s where some of the greatest players ever were born and raised.
“Seattle is a rich and vibrant market with a rich history, heritage and community of soccer. I am grateful to Hugh Weber and Adrian Hanauer and their confidence in the unique perspective I can bring as we craft fresh and compelling stories and create key memories for current Sounders and Reign players, fans, members, partners and associates.”
While details are scarce, Carter’s hiring certainly suggests a bias toward following in the Sounders’ footsteps at Longacres. The idea was to be a live-work-play development from the beginning, and there are already plans to build an indoor music venue there. Hanauer and Webber have also spoken openly about the possibility of building a soccer stadium at Longacres, something that may be leaning toward given his experience with the NBA, WNBA, MLS, Soccer United Marketing and ESPN.
