Scott O’Neil has been named president, Madison Square Garden (MSG) Sports, it was announced today by Hank Ratner, vice chairman, Madison Square Garden and Cablevision Systems Corporation. The announcement signals a management reorganization at the Garden designed to maximize business expansion and growth opportunities.
“Madison Square Garden is in a period of unprecedented growth – unlike any in our illustrious history – and it is imperative that we have the strongest and deepest management team in place to drive our strategic plans,” said Mr. Ratner. “We are pleased that Scott has joined our leadership group and are confident he will be a tremendous asset to MSG. He has outstanding expertise in sports business, a proven track record of effective management across a variety of disciplines, including sponsorship and ticket sales, as well as the ability to achieve aggressive growth objectives – all of which will be crucial to our continued success.”
In his role as President, MSG Sports, Mr. O’Neil will oversee all aspects of business operations for the three sports teams, the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New York Liberty, as well as the Sports Properties area, which includes college and high school basketball, boxing, track & field and all other sports events. He will also oversee sponsorship sales for the teams, Arena and all arena events. In addition, Mr. O’Neil will focus on expanding the Garden’s portfolio of events, franchises and properties. As part of the reorganization, Steve Mills becomes president, business operations, MSG Sports Teams, reporting to Mr. O’Neil.
Mr. O’Neil comes to Madison Square Garden from the National Basketball Association, where, as senior vice president, he oversaw the league’s team marketing and business operations, advising NBA and WNBA teams on ticket sales and service, sponsorship development, and marketing. In addition, he oversaw the NBA’s Canadian business and the NBA Development League. Prior to joining the NBA, Mr. O’Neil oversaw the launch of HoopsTV, and honed his sales and marketing expertise with the Philadelphia Eagles and New Jersey Nets.
“Madison Square Garden is an organization unlike any other. Joining this outstanding management team, in the world’s most famous arena, is an opportunity of a lifetime,” said Mr. O’Neil. “I am looking forward to continuing to drive the expansion and growth of the sports properties, while building upon the business success of the Knicks, Rangers and Liberty, some of the most iconic brands in sports. My experience working with David Stern and Adam Silver at the NBA and their relentless pursuit of perfection has prepared me well for this opportunity.”
Mr. O’Neil, 38, was named to Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal Forty Under 40 Hall of Fame, and was named one of the nation’s top marketing executives under 40 by Advertising Age (2006). He holds a degree in Marketing from Villanova University and M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School.
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