The Big Ten finally has its new commissioner.
After Kevin Warren moved on to become the President of the Chicago Bears, we’re fairly certain there was a lot going on behind the scenes, but the search for someone to replace Warren lasted a little longer than I think any of us anticipated. Especially seeing how Warren was there for less time than a U.S. presidential term lasts.
Buy Buckeyes TicketsRegardless, the guy now in charge of charting the course in this brave, new world of college athletics is none other than the formerly reported move that was all but assured, Tony Petitti.
Petitti becomes the seventh Big Ten commissioner and will officially begin his post on May 15. He is a seasoned veteran of the sports, business, and media, having formerly served as deputy commissioner and chief operating officer of Major League Baseball and president and chief executive officer of MLB Network.
“At this important and transformational time in collegiate athletics, it is truly my great honor to be chosen by the Council of Presidents and Chancellors as the commissioner of the Big Ten Conference,” Petitti said in a statement from the conference. “I am energized to work alongside the best athletics directors, coaches, conference staff and board in the country as – together – we continue to elevate the academic and athletic experiences and resources for our 14, soon-to-be 16, world-class universities with nearly 10,000 incredible student-athletes. Thank you to the extraordinary people and places that have led me to this next challenge in my career. I am ready to get to work for the Big Ten Conference community.”
We are proud to announce the seventh Commissioner in the history of the Big Ten Conference, Tony Petitti 👏 #B1G
🔗 https://t.co/SOUId4VXAW pic.twitter.com/4yFlKW3fDk
— Big Ten Conference (@bigten) April 12, 2023
The search for the new commissioner was led by the Big Ten Council of Presidents and Chancellors’ Executive Search Committee. Members of that committee included University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines as chair alongside University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel, The Ohio State University President Kristina M. Johnson, and Chair of the Council of Presidents and Chancellors and University of Illinois Chancellor Robert Jones.
“I would like to thank all the candidates who spent time with us during the commissioner search process as each illustrated outstanding leadership qualities and a breadth of experience,” President Pines said in a statement. “The Big Ten Conference is in an extraordinary position of strength. Tony’s capabilities to navigate the complexities of changing marketplace environments, history as a collaborative leader, and passion for academics and collegiate athletics made him the right leader, at the right time, for the Big Ten Conference.”
Petitti will no doubt have his work cut out for him. He’ll be coming alongside to usher in USC and UCLA into a 16-team conference and working to navigate one of the most well-known brands in college athletics through Name, Image and Likeness, playoff expansion, and more.
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