Veteran Business and Sports Executive Jeff Belskus Named Indy Eleven President

Indy Eleven owner Ersal Ozdemir announced Monday that former Indianapolis Motor Speedway President and CEO Jeff Belskus has assumed the president’s role with the North American Soccer League club effective immediately.

Founding Indy Eleven President Peter Wilt will continue his general managerial duties with the club on a consultant basis into the 2016 NASL Spring Season. Wilt will be transitioning into a role with sports consulting firm CLUB 9 SPORTS to pursue the creation of a North American Soccer League team in Chicago.

“We are constantly looking for ways to strengthen the organization while continuing to make strides towards gaining a new home for Indy Eleven and winning championships,” Ozdemir said. “The addition of someone with Jeff Belskus’ background into our front office is an important part of that continued progress, and I am excited to welcome him on behalf of the Indy Eleven family.”

Ozdemir continued: “Peter Wilt has been an integral part of building and growing Indy Eleven from even before day one. His influence and passion will continue to be felt across the organization and the fan base he helped cultivate. We look forward to continuing to work with Peter in the coming months.”

While Belskus’ expansive executive resume includes experience in the worlds of banking, insurance, real estate, food, and broadcasting, most of his time was spent during nearly three decades in motorsports and professional auto racing organizations connected with Hulman & Company. After a successful career, Belskus retired from the Hulman organization in early 2015; click here to read Belskus’ full bio at IndyEleven.com.

“I am very excited for the chance to add to the strong foundation Indy Eleven has built," Belskus said. "I thank Ersal Ozdemir for this opportunity to help the club reach greater heights, and that includes building a permanent home for Indy Eleven and giving our tremendous fan base the trophies they deserve. I am particularly excited to engage with the Brickyard Battalion and find ways to make the NASL’s best support base even better. Peter Wilt will be an important part of that process, and I look forward to working with him during this transition period.”

Wilt continues to work with the Indy Eleven coaching staff to finalize the team’s 2016 roster. To date, 14 players are on the roster and at least four more player signings are expected to be announced later this week.

“I am grateful to Ersal Ozdemir, the Indy Eleven staff, team, and fans for the opportunity to help build professional soccer in Indiana,” Wilt stated. “Everyone here, especially the Brickyard Battalion and the Indiana Soccer Association, has welcomed me and I will continue to embrace my adopted Hoosier status and remain a proud Indy Eleven season ticket holder.”