Sporting KC Hires Gavin Wilkinson, Former Portland Thorns President

Wilkinson, Dismissed from Thorns Amid Misconduct Investigations, to Serve as Sporting Director Under Chief Soccer Officer Peter Vermes

Gavin Wilkinson, former president of the Portland Thorns, has been hired by Sporting Kansas City as their new sporting director.
Wilkinson was fired from the Thorns in 2022 following investigations into player and coach misconduct, including the cover-up of abuse.
Longtime Sporting KC manager Peter Vermes will take on the title of chief soccer officer and oversee Wilkinson's work.
Wilkinson's hiring is part of Sporting KC's effort to expand its front office and ease the burden on Vermes.
Wilkinson has 12 years of executive leadership experience in Major League Soccer, including his time as the general manager and president of the Portland Timbers.