Austin Business Journal recently released its inaugural list of Power Players, with Austin FC Owner and Minister of Culture Matthew McConaughey and President Andy Loughnane both named to the 2023 list. ABJ’s Power Players list recognizes individuals with a notable influence on the Austin area, a specific industry, or both.
As Austin FC’s Minister of Culture, Texas native McConaughey has been helping grow the Club’s legend since 2019, from attending the groundbreaking of Q2 Stadium to leading the first-ever Heartbeat of Austin at the team’s inaugural home match. One of Hollywood’s most sought-after leading men, a chance meeting in Austin between McConaughey and casting director and producer Don Phillips led him to director Richard Linklater, who launched the actor’s career in the cult classic Dazed and Confused. Since then, he has won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Ron Woodruff in Dallas Buyers Club, appeared in over 40 feature films that have grossed over $1 billion, and become a producer, director, and philanthropist with his just keep livin Foundation – all the while sticking to his Texas roots and “jk livin” philosophy.
Loughnane has served as President of Austin FC since the formation of the Club in January 2019.
Under his leadership, Austin FC enjoyed one of the most successful launches in professional sports history. Austin FC completed construction of Q2 Stadium and St. David’s Performance Center ahead of the Club’s inaugural 2021 season, and Austin FC has since sold-out 100% of its 53 MLS regular season and playoff matches at Q2 Stadium, the league’s longest active sellout streak. Austin FC has consistently ranked at or near the top of the league in multiple key performance areas across the Club’s first three seasons, including merchandise, corporate partnerships, and ticket sales. Loughnane was named “MLS Executive of the Year” by Major League Soccer in December 2022.
The Nov. 17 edition of Austin Business Journal will feature a special section with details on McConaughey, Loughnane, and the rest of this year’s inaugural class of ABJ Power Players.
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