Former Sounders exec Ryan Gustafson as XFL Seattle team president
Mar 26, 2019, 12:23 PM | Updated: 12:29 pm
The XFL announced Tuesday that Ryan Gustafson, former Vice President of Business Strategy & Development for the Seattle Sounders, will act as President of Seattle’s yet-to-be-named XFL team.
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The announcement comes just one month after former Seahawks quarterback Jim Zorn was named as the team’s head coach.
“Ryan is well-established in the Seattle sports community and Vince McMahon and I are proud to welcome him to the XFL family,” XFL President and CEO Jeffrey Pollack said in a statement. “We have no doubt he and Coach Zorn will have a strong partnership and together build something special on and off the field.”
A native of Bellevue, Gustafson has previously worked with the San Diego Padres as Vice President of Strategy and Innovation, and with the MLB Commissioner’s Office as a senior analyst.
“I’m excited to help bring the XFL to the Pacific Northwest and build a team that makes a lasting impact in our community,” Gustafson said in a statement. “I’d like to thank Adrian Hanauer and the entire Sounders family for the chance to be part of such a great organization. Growing up less than ten miles from CenturyLink Field, and with a love of all things connected to Seattle sports, I know how special fans are here, and I’m grateful to the XFL leadership for this truly unique opportunity.”
The XFL will begin play in February 2020.
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