Editor Note: ‘Early Entrants’ is a series of sports business ‘rumblings’ before the news breaks.
Long-Time Jets Executive Expected To Be Named Team President
New York Jets president Neil Glat resigned on Friday – of his own volition – after seven years on the job. It’s been suggested that Glat, who will continue to serve as a senior advisor to the organization, simply tired of the role. While it’s unclear where he’s headed, one source suggested that Joe Tsai’s executive team could be a potential landing spot.
As for Glat’s old position, multiple sources tell JohnWallStreet that long-time team employee Hymie Elhai (currently SVP, business affairs and general counsel) is likely to take over. Fred Mangione, the team’s SVP, ticket & premium revenue, strategy & development, should also see additional responsibilities as Gang Green’s front office experiences a bit of a shuffle.
Former Turner President the Favorite to Replace Yormark
Brett Yormark’s decision to step down as CEO of the Nets and Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, after 14 years on the job, leaves the critical position vacant in the wake of Joe Tsai’s purchase. Three industry insiders tell JohnWallStreet that former Turner president David Levy is the favorite to fill the role. The hiring would make sense. Turner Sports took on everything from esports to the expansion of Bleacher Report Live under Levy’s direction and BSE needs that kind of vision if it’s going to expand beyond sports teams and the Barclays Center. The well-respected executive stepped down from Turner earlier this year in the wake of AT&T’s acquisition of Time Warner.
Knicks Looking to Fill Front-Office Role
The New York Knicks are also looking to fill a prominent front-office role after VP of public relations, Dan Sabreen, quietly stepped down last week. The Madison Square Garden Company formally ‘posted’the job opening on Friday. The new hire will report to Patrick Sandusky, who oversees communications strategy for both the Knicks and Rangers. It should be noted that the New York media has been critical of the lack of availability of Knicks coaches and executives since the spring.
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