The National Lacrosse League has named Nick Sakiewicz commissioner effective immediately. George Daniel stepped down in November after serving as commissioner since January 2009.

Sakiewicz is the former CEO of the Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer and was one of the original founding member of the league in 1995. He parted ways with the Union in October following their second straight U.S. Open Cup final loss.

He has been involved as a sports executive for 21 years earning two MLS Executive of the Year awards and bringing two soccer-specific stadiums to the MLS. 

“Similar to soccer 20 years ago, lacrosse is a dynamic and rapidly-growing sport amongst an incredible demographic in North America," said Sakiewicz via conference call Thursday. "The National Lacrosse League is celebrating its 30th anniversary season featuring the best players in the world and highlighted by some incredibly entertaining competition. I'm really looking forward to bringing my experience working in MLS to the NLL and helping everyone in the lacrosse community to grow the league and expand the sport.”