Gary Wright

2027 Nominee: Builders Category

An esteemed Seattle sports executive for more than four decades, Wright helped spearhead one of the most successful franchise launches in American sports history as Sounders FC’s Senior Vice President of Business Operations. Joining the organization in 2008, he played a central role in establishing the club’s identity, building its connection with fans and creating the foundation for its early success on and off the field. Seattle set an MLS attendance record with an average of 30,897 fans in its inaugural season, earning Wright the 2009 Doug Hamilton MLS Executive of the Year Award. Sounders FC was named Professional Sports Team of the Year by Sports Business Journal in 2010 and led MLS in attendance in each of its first eight seasons (2009-2016).

Wright helped establish the standards of professionalism, fan engagement and organizational culture that defined Sounders FC’s early years and remain central to the club today. Through his leadership and relationships with leading international clubs, he elevated Seattle’s standing as a soccer destination, helping pave the way for the city to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He received Executive of the Year honors for 2011 at the 77th annual Seattle Sports Star of the Year Awards and continued serving the club as a consultant following his retirement. Prior to joining Sounders FC, Wright spent 32 years with the Seattle Seahawks, beginning with their inaugural season in 1976. The Seahawks named the Lumen Field press box in his honor upon his retirement in 2008, and he received the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s inaugural Award of Excellence in 2022.