Portland Timbers confirm Heather Davis as Chief Executive Officer

Liam Watson
Heather Davis
Image credit: Major League Soccer

Ahead of the new Major League Soccer (MLS) season, Portland Timbers have named Heather Davis as their Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

It is reward for effort for Davis, who first joined the Timbers back in May 2022 as general council. Before that, she spent nine years at the National Football League’s (NFL) office holding the position of lead counsel for international operations.

Among her highlights, she was involved in NFL major events such as the Super Bowl, Pro Bowl, the NFL Draft and international games in London and Mexico. Davis also took the reigns of drafting and leading negotiations on the NFL’s stadium partnership with English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

Davis is one of five women in Major League Soccer to currently oversee club business operations as president or CEO, and will now oversee all business and operational aspects of the Portland Timbers, Portland Thorns FC and Providence Park.

“I am incredibly grateful for the support of our staff and for the confidence that Merritt has shown in me to lead this club,” Davis said via press release.

“It is an extraordinary privilege to be entrusted to lead such a storied and successful franchise that means so much to so many in my home state. We will continue to do the work to be a first-in-class club that everyone can be proud of.”

Current club owner Merritt Paulson previously held the position at the Timbers, but stepped down in October last year, paving the way for Davis to fill the almighty shoes in a lead role.

“Heather has been nothing short of remarkable during her time here,” Paulson said in a statement.

“She joined us during a challenging period and has overseen significant positive change for the club.

“We had tremendous external interest in this position, but Heather has earned the trust of our staff and I could not be more pleased to remove ‘Interim’ from her title. She will be an outstanding leader for our organisation.”

Portland will play the first of three friendly matches in a couple weeks time starting with LA Galaxy, before the season proper begins on February 26 where they host Sporting KC at Providence Park, kicking off 2:30am AEDT.

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Mitre Appointed FV’s Sole Ball Supplier Across All Competitions

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Image credit: Football Victoria

Football Victoria has unveiled Mitre as its exclusive official ball partner in a significant new three-year deal.

As part of the agreement, Mitre will also serve as a Bronze Partner of the FV Business League, an exclusive networking community created to support members in expanding their connections, elevating their brand, and engaging with like-minded professionals who share a passion for both football and business.

From the 2026 NPL Victoria season, clubs will play with the Mitre Ultimax Pro 26, the latest iteration of Mitre’s iconic match ball. The new Ultimax Pro features cutting-edge technology, enhanced performance, and a contemporary design inspired by the original 1995 model.

The ball incorporates a completely redesigned panel layout, engineered to deliver greater control, more accurate flight, and increased power with every strike.

The new exclusive deal reinforces the eight-year relationship between Mitre and Football Victoria, marking one of the most enduring partnerships in the industry.

FV Commercial Executive Manager, Chris Speldewinde described the agreement as a “major milestone” ahead of the 2026 season.

“Mitre has been a trusted partner of Football Victoria for many years, and this new agreement reinforces our shared commitment to elevating the game at every level,” he said via FV Official media release.

“As we move into the 2026 season, having a world-class ball partner ensures our clubs and players are equipped with the highest standards in performance.”

Director of Sportsmart Group, Gerrard Woods said Mitre was pleased to build on its long-running collaboration with FV.

“Our goal has always been to support the growth of football across the state by delivering products that players and coaches can trust at every level,” he said via press release.

In addition to Mitre’s established reseller network, clubs will be able to order match balls through a dedicated online platform designed for simple, streamlined purchasing.

Bentleigh Greens Forge Ties with MST Lawyers

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Image credit: MST Lawyers

Bentleigh Greens confirmed leading mid-tier commercial law firm, MST Lawyers, as their latest sponsor for the 2026 season. Following an announcement last week, the collaboration strengthens Bentleigh Greens’ commitment to working with Victorian businesses and connecting them with the local football community. 

A Partnership Built on Shared Values 

Ranked as a Tier 1 firm in Franchise Law in Best Law Firms 2025 by Best Lawyers and with 60 years of experince, MST Lawyers strives to maintain a client-focused model supported by respect, excellence and dedication.

But it is not only the work which MST Lawyers carries out within the walls of their company which makes a partnership with the Green so exciting. Beyond providing legal counsel and assistance, they support causes across Victoria and beyond to give back to the community who back them. Such causes include the Mayor of Monash Charity Golf Day, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Australia, and Cambodia Rural Students Trust. 

It is ultimately no wonder why an agreement was there to be struck with a club which prides itself on inspiring a supportive environment, fostering young talent, and transforming a business into a family. Going forward, the Greens will no doubt be looking to work with MST Lawyers on matters which concern the team, the club, and the loyal community which supports them. 

Driving Business and Football Forward 

As the Bentleigh Greens look to find success once more in the NPL Victoria after being promoted as champions last season, joining forces with MST Lawyers is a move with positive implications for the club’s future.

“A sincere thank you to the entire MST Lawyers team for their support and belief in our club,” the club said via social media.

“This partnership will play a key role in driving Bentleigh Greens forward both on and off the pitch.”

Given this will be the Green’s first season back in the NPL VIC since 2023, gathering support will be crucial to not just staying in the league next year, but also sustaining its presence in seasons to come.

You can find more about the services provided by MST Lawyers here.

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