Representing Your Voice Shaping Our Future
The Alliance Council is the elected body that represents the interests of Seattle Sounders FC’s Season Ticket Members. We’re here to ensure that your voice is heard in decisions that shapes our club’s future. Through direct engagement with club leadership and by influencing key initiatives, we embody the spirit of fan-driven democracy in sports.
Democracy in Sports
Mr. Drew Carey, the First Honorary Chairperson and creator of the Alliance, wanted to bring fan involvement to Seattle Sounders FC and made it a condition of joining the other owners of the Club. Fan involvement was realized with the creation of the Alliance and the Alliance Council: the entities involved in the feedback process with owners and the Front Office. “I’m very excited about what we’re doing here in Seattle,” said Carey. “Where else can the fans fire the general manager? I hope this becomes a model for every professional sports organization in America.”
Fans have a say in the direction of their Club, including a vote on retention or lack of confidence for the general manager every four years. The first general manager vote took place in the fall of 2012 at the end of the Major League Soccer season. In 2015, Adrian Hanauer replaced himself in the position of General Manager with Garth Lagerwey. At that time, the Alliance Council began deliberations regarding when the next vote of retention/no confidence should be held, along with a formalized recall process.
What Is the Alliance?
All Season Ticket Holders (Alliance Members) with multiple match packages purchased through the Sounders FC or their ticket partner are automatically members of the Alliance. The Alliance is more than a group of ticket holders: it is also the embodiment of our spirit and passion within the Sounders community. The Alliance is tasked with the General Manager Vote approximately every four years, a responsibility that is unique to the Seattle Sounders.
Our Mission & Vision
We exist to empower fans by providing a direct channel of communication with club leadership. Our mission is to drive meaningful change—from influencing major decisions, such as the General Manager vote, to enhancing the matchday experience. We envision a club where every fan’s opinion matters, and every vote contributes to shaping the legacy of Seattle Sounders FC.
Alliance Council Goals
Provide Alliance members with a voice in the overall direction of the organization, including but not limited to:
- A vote on retention or lack of confidence in the Club’s General Manager approximately every four years
- The right to advise on the Club’s charitable contributions
- The right to advise on matters regarding game-day experience
- The right to advise on matters that primarily affect fan experience
Our Impact
Over the years, the Alliance Council has been instrumental in driving change. Our efforts have led to tangible improvements in fan engagement, operational transparency, and overall club performance. Every decision we influence and every initiative we champion stands as a testament to the power of democracy in sports.
Get Involved
Learn more about our work, explore our initiatives, or discover how you can join the Alliance Council and make your voice heard.
Sounders FC Alliance Council 