MLS Announces New Leadership for MLS NEXT & On-Field Innovation

NEW YORK – Major League Soccer today announced the new leadership team for MLS NEXT, the league’s youth development platform. The new leadership team is part of the evolution of MLS NEXT, which began in September 2020 and now consists of 15,000 elite players across the United States and Canada.

Ali Curtis has been promoted to the newly created role of Senior Vice President of Sporting Development for Major League Soccer. In his new role, Curtis will lead all areas of MLS NEXT and continue to manage the sporting side of MLS NEXT Pro. Additionally, Curtis will head On-Field Innovation throughout Major League Soccer as new on-field rules are an important focus area that will help push the sport forward within MLS NEXT, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS.

Former New York Red Bulls and Inter Miami CF goalkeeper Luis Robles has been promoted to Technical Director of MLS NEXT. In his role, Robles will serve as the lead for all MLS and MLS NEXT Elite Academy Directors and Technical Staff. Drawing on his experience as an accomplished youth, collegiate and professional player both abroad and in MLS, Robles will provide technical and sporting guidance for MLS NEXT.

Kyle Albrecht will become the Interim General Manager of MLS NEXT, replacing Justin Bokmeyer, who departed to a position with the Brooklyn Nets. Albrecht will lead execution of MLS NEXT programs to continuously improve and elevate the quality of competition, talent identification, education, compliance, and club membership. Albrecht will continue to oversee MLS GO, the league’s recreational soccer program that supports access, participation, and the growth of soccer for boys and girls across the country.

Both Albrecht and Robles will report directly to Curtis as part of their new roles. Fred Lipka, MLS Vice President of Player Youth and Development, will continue to manage technical direction of MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT. MLS NEXT will immediately begin a global search for a permanent General Manager.

“It is exciting to now be involved in MLS at all levels – MLS first teams, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT academies,” said Curtis. “Development, both on and off the field, is a passion of mine and now is the perfect time to step into this role. The sport is evolving, our MLS ecosystem continues to grow, and the 2026 World Cup is around the corner. We will be intentional in every aspect of what we seek to achieve. I am looking forward to the work.”

Curtis joined…