William J. Ryan, Jr.

William J. Ryan, Jr., the principal owner and chairman of the Maine Red Claws. He began his professional career as an attorney, practicing corporate law in Portland. He practiced law for four years before embarking on his career in the sports business at McDougall Sports Marketing. While at McDougall, Ryan primarily worked in sponsorship sales for NASCAR and Indy Car teams. Leveraging the knowledge of the auto racing business gained while at McDougall, he purchased Oxford Plains Speedway in 1998. Ryan was honored for his operation of the Speedway by industry group Racing Promotion Monthly three times, including being named the Northeast Region Promoter of the Year in 2008. He sold Oxford Plains Speedway in the fall of 2012. In 2007, Ryan was approached with the idea of bringing an NBA Development League team to Portland. He and his father, former TD Bank CEO William J. Ryan, Sr., formed a local ownership group made up of leaders from across Maine’s business community. After two years of work, the Maine Red Claws held their inaugural season in the fall of 2009. Ryan also has investments in real estate, restaurants, and early-stage technology companies. In addition to his business interests, Ryan has been involved with a number of non-profits. He is currently on the boards of the Portland Museum of Art and Thomas College.