TORONTO — Canadian Soccer Business and the Canadian Premier League have a new boss and leadership structure with English-born Australian James (JJ) Johnson in the role of group chief executive officer.
And with that comes hope of a new, improved relationship with Canada Soccer.
Johnson spent the last 5 1/2 years as CEO of Football Australia, the sport's governing body Down Under. Australia co-hosted the Women's World Cup during his time in charge with the Matildas finishing fourth, dispatching Canada 4-0 along the way.
He 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), head of professional football for FIFA (where he worked under Canadian Victor Montagliani), director of international relations and development with the Asian Football Confederation, and player relations executive with the Professional Footballers Australia, the union representing Australian players
Johnson's appointment was announced one day after news that Mark Noonan, who doubles as commissioner of the CPL and CEO of Canadian Soccer Business, was stepping down effective June 30. Noonan, who is returning to his U.S. home, will serve as a consultant after that.
CSB, whose investor group and board include the Canadian Premier League owners, looks after marketing and broadcast rights for both Canada Soccer and the CPL, now in its seventh season.
Johnson, slated to start later in the summer, will head up both the CSB and CPL. Another hire is expected to run the league day-to-day, reporting to Johnson.
"There'll be a focus for me, certainly on the business side," Johnson said Thursday from Brisbane. "It's a great opportunity with CSB holding the rights to the CPL but also the Canadian men's and women's national teams. Opportunities to grow broadcast, sponsorship opportunities, as well as operating the league.
"We've got to set ourselves up so that we can take advantage of these opportunities."
Johnson, a father of three who turned 43 Wednesday, said he was drawn by the chance to work in Canada — "a magnificent country. Great people." — and by the "very attractive" opportunity that lies ahead with a home World Cup in 2026.
"This is a country where football is really heading north very fast," he said. "Great participation numbers. A new professional game on the men's side and the women's as well. And two outstanding national teams. … It's a very good time for Canada. And I'm really excited to be part of that."
CSB has come under criticism in recent years with Canada players — who have enjoyed unparalleled success on the field since the deal was struck — complaining that its agreement with Canada Soccer is holding the game back and preventing national teams from getting the preparation and support they need.
Canada Soccer is believed to receive some $4 million a year under the current CSB deal as "the beneficiary of a rights fee guarantee." That amount has been boosted by some $500,000 each year leading up to the World Cup.
Discussions on renegotiating the existing agreement have dragged on. Not coincidentally, so have labour talks between Canada Soccer and its players.
As a result, the CSB job comes with somewhat of a black hat. Johnson looks to change that by finding "win-wins with stakeholders so we can grow the sport."
"The organizations need to work together," he said, referencing Canada Soccer and the CSB. "And they need to find ways to create what I would call one plus one equals three. And really drive growth of the sport and drive revenue.
"I'll be very collaborative. That's my approach. That's how I am and I think my track record speaks for itself and I'm very much looking forward to working with (CEO/general secretary) Kevin (Blue) and Canada Soccer and trying to optimize the agreement that is already in place."
"We congratulate James on his new CEO appointment," Canada Soccer said in a brief statement. "Kevin has encountered James in his previous role at Football Australia and looks forward to working with him and his team."
During Johnson's time in charge of Football Australia, it handed off running the A-League men's and women's circuits, separating Football Australia as the regulatory body from the operation of the domestic pro league.
Born in England to an English father and Australian mother, Johnson was a baby when his family moved to Australia.
A midfielder/winger, he represented Australia at youth level and attended Boston University on a soccer scholarship from 2002 to 2006. After a brief pro career with his hometown Brisbane Strikers and Vietnam's Da Nang FC, he got his law degree.
"I realized my best years weren't going to be on the pitch," he said dryly.
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 22, 2025
Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press
