Craig Thompson

About

Conceive, Build, Brand and Operate Global Sport Properties I have been disrupting the status quo and innovating strategies for new sport properties by helping launch the Uefa Champions League (with UEFA & T.E.A.M. Marketing), the Champions Hockey League (with IIHF), the 34th America's Cup (with Larry Ellison), and the Canadian Premier League (with Mediapro).

Experience

• CEO FIVB Women's World Championships USA / Canada 2007 at WWC27
  Oct 2025 - Present · 10 mos

• Founder/CEO Mindspring Sport, GP Match Ventures, GP Mindspring Capital, Advisor USA Volleyball at Mindspring Sport / Match Ventures / Mindspring Capital / Independent Advisor
  May 2004 - Present · 22 yrs 3 mos

• Founder / General Partner at Mindspring Capital
  Jun 2019 - Present · 7 yrs 2 mos

  Investments in early stage sport technology and advisory services focused on introductions to targeted customers utilizing our extensive networks

• CEO at Mindspring-Thinking for Sport
  Jan 2005 - Present · 21 yrs 7 mos

  Sport marketing, commercialization, and brand consultancy. Management advisory for global sport projects. Work experience in 17 sports across 66 countries. Creation, funding, and management for sport events and leagues. Led successful sponsorship strategy and sales for the Chilean National Team qualification matches for the 2022 World Cup. Supported the launch of the Canadian Premier League in April 2019.

• Founder / Partner Mindspring Padel at Mindspring Padel / Match Ventures
  May 2020 - Jul 2025 · 5 yrs 3 mos

  Padel is growing like wildfire and is the new "social" sport. We provide 100% financing for padel courts globally. Sport technology continues to impact the sport world. At Match Ventures we invest in the best start-ups.