Doug Logan
1st Commissioner of Major League Soccer
In office
January 21, 1995 – August 3, 1999
Succeeded byDon Garber
Personal details
Born1943 (age 80–81)
New Jersey, U.S.
Alma materManhattan College
University of Baltimore Law School

Douglas George Logan y Gonzales de Mendoza (born 1943) is an American sports executive.[1]

He was the inaugural commissioner of Major League Soccer, and later served as the CEO of USA Track & Field.

Early life

Logan was born in New Jersey to an American father and Cuban mother.[2]

He was studying civil engineering at Manhattan College when he was drafted into the military in 1964. He served with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam and was decorated with two Bronze Stars. He later studied at the University of Baltimore Law School, graduating in 1972.[3]

Career

Early career

From 1986 to 1993, Logan was a senior vice president of Ogden Entertainment Services. He later became president and chief executive officer of Mexican entertainment company OCESA.[4] Under his management, the Mexico Aztecas of the Continental Basketball Association became the first American professional sports franchise based in Mexico.[5] The Aztecas relocated to San Diego and became the Wildcards for the 1996 season before folding.[6]

MLS Commissioner

In 1995, Logan was named the first commissioner of Major League Soccer, serving in that capacity through 1999. Sports Business Daily named Logan and the MLS staff Sports Industrialists of the Year for 1996.[citation needed] During Logan's last year at MLS, the league lost $34 million.[7] MLS was reported to have lost $250 million in its first five years under Logan.[8]

Later career

In 1999, Logan formed the sports consulting firm Empresario. In 2001, he was hired as a consultant in the creation of a professional National Rugby League, structuring the new league as a "single entity" system.

In 2008, Logan was appointed the CEO of USA Track & Field. In September 2010, the USATF Board announced it had fired Logan.[9] Logan later filed a lawsuit for wrongful termination which was ultimately settled.[10]

References

  1. ^ Hersh, Philip (July 18, 2008). "On track with a new boss". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 23, 2020.
  2. ^ Cox, Billy (January 21, 2007). "Couple shares desire to expand arts scene". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Retrieved October 23, 2020.
  3. ^ Schoettle, Anthony (September 1, 2008). "Racing toward a new biz plan: Goals for USA Track & Field: Raise money; don't drop the baton". International Business Journal. Retrieved October 23, 2020.
  4. ^ Goff, Steven (November 22, 1995). "MLS Names A Soccer Novice, Doug Logan, As Its Commissioner". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 23, 2020.
  5. ^ McMahon, Colin (November 20, 1994). "CBA Takes USA South Of The Border". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved October 23, 2020.
  6. ^ Zeigler, Mark (January 12, 1997). "Wildcards left no assets, lots of unpaid bills". San Diego Union-Tribune. p. C2.
  7. ^ See Don Garber
  8. ^ Eligon, John (November 11, 2005). "For M.L.S., the Sport's Future Is in the Eye of the Beholder". The New York Times. Retrieved November 17, 2008.
  9. ^ Ungrady, Dave (September 13, 2010). "USA Track Dismisses Executive in Charge". The New York Times. Retrieved October 23, 2020.
  10. ^ Cherry, Gene (May 20, 2011). "Former CEO reaches settlement with USATF: court". Reuters. Retrieved October 23, 2020.
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