SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL: The 2021 Class of Forty Under 40 – Scott Aronsky
The individuals selected for Sports Business Journal’s 22nd class of Forty Under 40 are not afraid to go big, whether it’s a blockbuster media rights deal, the launch of a bold new product, the opening of a dynamic stadium or a career move that opens new doors to success. They are not afraid to take risks, and the organizations across the sports business that they represent have benefited from their accomplishments.
SBJ, along with presenting partners Anheuser-Busch, MGM Resorts and TurnkeyZRG, are pleased to announce our annual list of 40 executives who will be recognized for excellence and innovation in their careers, all before the age of 40.
Over the past four months, an editorial committee has reviewed, studied and discussed more than 400 nominees, resulting in the 40 named for the class of 2021. The committee considered career achievements; entrepreneurial zeal; best-in-class approach and technique; innovative practices that others follow; and leadership and impact within their organization and in their community.
One of the honorees, Charlotte FC President Nick Kelly, joins SBJ’s Forty Under 40 Hall of Fame as a three-time selection to the list. Kelly, who was vice president of partnerships, beer culture and community at Anheuser-Busch InBev before joining the MLS expansion club in February, was a member of the 2017 and 2020 Forty Under 40 classes.
All 40 executives will be featured in the June 28 issue of Sports Business Journal, where we will tell the stories of their career paths and successes. They also will be honored in-person at the Forty Under 40 gala tentatively scheduled for November in New York City. The 2020 Forty Under 40 class, whose awards ceremony in March 2020 was postponed by the coronavirus pandemic, also will be recognized that night.
FORTY UNDER 40 CLASS OF 2021
Scott Aronsky, Legends
Chara-Lynn Aguiar, ESPN
Will Ahmed, Whoop
Naz Aletaha, Riot Games
Jonathan Amoona, Winston & Strawn
Chris Armstrong, Wasserman
Nana-Yaw Asamoah, National Football League
J Batt, University of Alabama
Tim Bezbatchenko, Columbus Crew SC
Shelly Cayette, Cleveland Cavaliers and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Kyle Charters, Inner Circle Sports
Seth Cole, Turner Sports
Will Deng, National Football League
Brandon Doll, Las Vegas Raiders
Jayar Donlan, WWE
Stuart Duguid, IMG
Logan Gerken, Mortenson
Jason Glushon, Glushon Sports Management
Hannah Gordon, San Francisco 49ers
David Haber, National Basketball Association
Nick Kelly, Charlotte FC
Matt Kramer, Creative Artists Agency
Jason Krochak, Proskauer
Aaron LeValley, LA Kings and AEG Sports
TJ Lynch, Allied Sports
Jason Miller, Excel Sports Management
Evan Parker, The Athletic
Ryan Petkoff, Hunt Sports Group
Paul Rabil, Premier Lacrosse League
Gabriel Rose, CBS Sports Digital
Casey Schwab, Altius Sports Partners
Michael Shane, Philadelphia Flyers and Wells Fargo Center
Carrie Skillman, Scout Sports and Entertainment
Jason Sondag, Chicago Cubs
Ania Sponaski, GMR Marketing
Malaika Underwood, OneTeam Partners
Scott Warfield, PGA Tour
Zack Weiner, Overtime
Jarod Were, National Hockey League
Meka White Morris, Tappit