Canadian Soccer Business (CSB), the commercial arm of governing body Canada Soccer and the top-tier Canadian Premier League (CPL), has appointed former Football Australia head James Johnson as its new group chief executive.
Johnson’s appointment comes a day after it was announced that Mark Noonan, who doubles as commissioner of the CPL and chief executive of CSB, will step down from both roles effective June 30 and serve as a consultant from his native US home.
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Johnson will head up both the CSB and CPL, tasked with shaping the sport’s commercial success in Canada, as the country prepares to co-host the flagship 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the US and Mexico.
Another hire is expected to run the league day-to-day, reporting to Johnson.
He will also sit on the board of OneSoccer, the soccer streaming service that was set up as a joint venture with sports rights agency Mediapro and CSB.
Mediapro left that partnership in 2024, with CSB now running the service, which is the main broadcaster for Canadian soccer.
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By GlobalDataUnder that role, he is tasked with implementing a media strategy for the distribution of all CSB’s rights.
Johnson stepped down as chief executive of Football Australia earlier this month after more than five years in the role.
On his new position with CSB, he said: “I am honored to join CSB and feel a real sense of excitement from the momentum building behind Canadian soccer.
“I look forward to working with all stakeholders to support growth for all. We will build on CSB’s unique assets to foster a thriving and inclusive soccer community, putting innovation, collaboration, and strategic partnerships at the heart of all we do.”
Johnson stepped down as chief executive of Football Australia in March after more than five years in the role but agreed to work with the national soccer body to finalize key projects and work with the interim chief executive, Heather Garriock, to “ensure a smooth transition.”
Johnson has been credited with overseeing one of the most successful periods in Australian soccer history, having guided the sport through the Covid-19 pandemic, delivered record revenue growth, and led Football Australia’s successful bid and hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.
Under his tenure, Football Australia also secured hosting rights for the expanded 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
He also previously served as senior vice-president of external affairs with the City Football Group, which operates 13 teams worldwide including Manchester City, New York City FC and Melbourne City, as well as head of professional football for international body FIFA, director of international relations and development for the Asian Football Confederation, and player relations executive of the Professional Footballers Australia, the union representing Australian soccer players.
Scott Mitchell, chair of CSB’s board of directors, said: “James brings a rare combination of global insight, strategic leadership, and a deep passion for developing the sport at every level.
“His vision aligns perfectly with CSB’s goal to build a sustainable, progressive, and globally recognized soccer environment for Canada.
“His appointment is a testament both to his track record shaping and delivering large-scale, sustainable initiatives across multiple jurisdictions, and his recognition of the tremendous potential CSB has in the years ahead.”
Johnson joins CSB amid a major dispute between Canada Soccer and the Canadian Soccer Players’ Association (CSPA) labor union over the governing body’s relationship with CSB.
Last year, the CSPA, which represents players on the women’s national team, filed a $40 million lawsuit against current and former Canada Soccer board members over a media and sponsorship contract signed in 2018 with CSB.
Canada Soccer does not hold an ownership stake in CSB but is paid a set amount each year, around $3 million to $4 million, with the rest used by CSB to help fund the top-tier Canadian Premier League.
The lawsuit says that the yearly fee increased “only slightly over the initial nine years of the CSB agreement and not at all during the 10-year renewal period,” while “all other revenue generated by CSB in respect of the national teams is retained by CSB.”
It also alleges that the board failed to canvas the market for competing bids, failed to conduct appropriate diligence concerning the fair market value of Canada Soccer’s media and sponsorship rights, and failed to make adequate disclosures to the membership of Canada Soccer.
