COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) today announced that Wayne Brant has been promoted from Senior Vice President of Business Operations of the Colorado Rapids to the club’s Chief Business Officer.
“Wayne exemplifies the qualities we seek in our leaders,” said Matt Hutchings, Chief Operating Officer & Governor of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment. “His leadership on the business side of the club has steered it through some difficult challenges in recent years, while creating a foundation for continued growth. We’re delighted to have him take on this new role and help guide the club for years to come.”
One of the longest-tenured Rapids employees, Brant first joined KSE in 2007 and has worked across all elements of the club’s operations during his 15-year tenure, more recently serving as Vice President of Marketing before being named Senior Vice President of Business Operations in 2018.
Brant, who signed an extension through the 2026 Major League Soccer season, led the organizing committee for the 2015 MLS All-Star Game held at DICK’S Sporting Good’s Park and played key roles in bringing Arsenal FC to Colorado in 2019, as well as hosting the first-ever MLS Cup Playoffs game on Thanksgiving Day in 2021. In his new role, Brant will work closely with Rapids President Padraig Smith on the development of the club’s 2027 strategic plan, while continuing to manage all business operations elements and taking an increased role within the club’s technical operations. Brant will also lead collaboration with the larger KSE organization to drive revenue growth opportunities for the club and serve as Alternate Governor for Rapids 2.
“Wayne has been a key driving force behind our continued growth as an organization and the culture that underpins everything we believe in,” said Pádraig Smith, Colorado Rapids President. “He has been instrumental in the development of our long-term vision for the club and the strategic initiatives on which our growth on and off the field has been built. We are thrilled that he has committed his long-term future to the club and believe he will play a leading role in helping us achieve our goals as an organization.”
“My family and I are extremely grateful to our ownership group, Matt Hutchings and Pádraig Smith for their trust and commitment toward our vision of becoming the heartbeat of sport in Colorado,” said Brant. “Between the Apple TV broadcast deal, the addition of Leagues Cup and various initiatives the club has planned, this is an incredibly exciting time for us to continue building on the momentum of recent years. I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this club and look forward to a great season in 2023 and beyond.”
