Jeske brings impressive track record of MLS and USL leadership roles and global soccer experience to Echo’s growing portfolio of rapidly emerging sports & entertainment investments
Oklahoma City – Echo today announced the formal launch and expansion of its media & entertainment investment vertical, with new affiliate Echo Soccer to be led by seasoned sports industry and soccer veteran Court Jeske. Joining with an impressive track record that spans more than 20 years in the industry, Jeske has held senior roles at U.S. Soccer, Major League Soccer (MLS), Nashville Soccer Club, and United Soccer Leagues (USL). Most recently, he was Chief Commercial Officer for USL, where he accelerated the organization’s growth through landmark deals across media, sponsorships, and various strategic partnerships.
This announcement follows Echo’s newly established majority ownership of OKC Energy FC, which will be managed by Echo Soccer and include operating the future MAPS 4 downtown multipurpose stadium that will be the professional soccer club’s eventual home and a hub for other world-class entertainment activities. As president of Echo Soccer, Jeske will oversee both Energy FC, ongoing stadium development efforts in partnership with the City of OKC, and future sports initiatives.
“Court is a force in the world of professional sports. His record, reputation, and influence time and again demonstrate his tremendous talent for both breathing new life and building from the ground up,” said Christian Kanady, Founding Partner and CEO of Echo and Majority Owner of OKC Energy FC. “As the popularity of soccer in the nation continues to rise, I am confident that Court’s leadership will take our club and broader goals to the next level, drive growth, and ultimately position Oklahoma City as a key player in sports, media, and entertainment.”
“There is no question that soccer has arrived in our country in a big way, and it’s time for Oklahoma City to join the party. With a professional club returning to the city and a state-of-the-art multipurpose stadium coming to the heart of our thriving downtown, we’ve got all the pieces in place to do it right. I invite everyone in OKC, soccer fan or not, to help us build a club that represents our city and state throughout the world,” said Court Jeske. “In the days ahead, I look forward to being part of Oklahoma City’s ongoing transformation and rise by fostering a world-class professional soccer club.”
Aside from long-standing stints at MLS and USL, Jeske was the founding CEO and minority owner of Nashville SC, a club he grew from amateur status to a record-setting inaugural USL season and today competes in MLS. Most recently, as the Chief Commercial Officer for the USL, he led national media, sponsorship, and broader commercial efforts for the league. While at USL, Jeske had direct oversight of the league’s commercial strategy and led the completion of a 10-year agreement with Legends, forging media rights agreements with CBS, ESPN, and Univision. Jeske was also previously Vice President of International Business for MLS, where he was a key figure in the strategic delivery of international events for the U.S. Men’s andWomen’s National Teams, CONCACAF, the Mexican National Team, and elite European clubs.
Earlier in his career, he held roles with USA Rugby, U.S. Soccer, and Sporting Kansas City. Jeske attended undergrad at the University of Oklahoma, where he worked in the Athletic Department, and earned a FIFA master’s degree in international sports management. He has served nine years on the U.S. Soccer professional council along with leadership from USL, MLS, and NWSL. He has regularly guest lectured for FIFA at the Bocconi School of Management in Milan as well as Columbia and New York University.
About Echo
Founded by Christian Kanady in 2010 and headquartered in the iconic Ziggurat building overlooking Kerr Park in downtown Oklahoma City, Echo is a multi-strategy investment firm committed to revitalizing American industries. Echo strategically blends investments across energy, life sciences, national security, and media & entertainment, with notable investments in local enterprises such as Wheeler Bio and Prairie Surf. The firm’s holdings include landmark commercial properties, a significant oil and gas royalty portfolio, and majority ownership in OKC’s professional soccer club Energy FC. Echo is dedicated to fostering innovation and driving exceptional financial and social returns.
Learn more at echo.global.
