Executive Moves in Sports Business Reported

Paul Hastings LLP has added former Ravens exec and NFL in-house counsel Brandon Etheridge as a partner in its D.C. office as it formally launches a dedicated sports practice. The addition of Etheridge, a 2024 SBJ Forty Under 40 honoree, comes on the heels of the firm’s July 8 hire of investment funds/private capital partner Chidi Oteh from Ropes & Gray in Boston, and the May hire of former Slaughter and May deals partner Mark Zerdin to lead its sports practice from London.

Etheridge‘s hiring is a significant move for the firm, which is looking to expand its presence in the sports industry. According to the report, Etheridge will be working closely with Zerdin to build the firm’s sports practice.

Iowa State AD Jamie Pollard is retiring after more than two decades at the helm. Pollard, the longest-tenured AD in school history, plans to leave the role on June 30, 2027, or sooner if Iowa State hires his replacement before then.

Pollard began his tenure at Iowa State in 2005 and became the nation’s longest-serving active Power Four AD. His retirement marks the end of an era for the university’s athletic department. They will need to find a suitable replacement.

The Magic have made several front office promotions in business operations, including Chief Strategy & Business Officer Jay Riola; CMO Shelly Wilkes; Chief Facilities & Operations Officer Alex Diaz and EVP/Global Partnerships J.T. McWalters. As the Chief Strategy and Business Officer, Riola will lead efforts across gate revenue, strategy, technology, and innovation.

Riola is entering his 21st season with the team. Wilkes will oversee all brand strategy, including digital marketing, fan, and community impact.

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For teams like the Magic, having a strong business operations team is essential for success. It allows them to focus on what matters most – the game.

Echo Investment Capital partner Court Jeske is leaving his role after two years leading the project to build a new downtown soccer stadium in Oklahoma City for a USL club. Jeske, a 2018 SBJ Forty Under 40 honoree, helped secure public funding for the venue that is set to open in 2028.

Pacers Sports & Entertainment named Kieran Donahue EVP & CMO. Donahue will report to PS&E President and CEO Mel Raines. Donahue joins PS&E with more than three decades of leadership experience across global hospitality and consumer brands.

Excel Sports Management named Ryan St. Clair Coordinator/Talent Marketing/Baseball Sales; Adrian Tate Coordinator/Finance; Audrey Thornton Dir/Marketing Solutions/Properties and Lauren Trisconi Dir/International/Brand Marketing.

The Sparks fired GM Raegan Pebley amid a lackluster season.

Assistant GMs Zach Knowlton and Nate Nielsen will split interim duties.