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Brett Yormark's next career move will take him far beyond the Big 12's geographic footprint. The departing commissioner has been named chief executive of Milan Sports & Entertainment (MSE), a newly formed holding company supported by RedBird Capital Partners, the investment firm that owns Italian soccer giant AC Milan.
Yormark's new position will encompass far more than soccer. MSE will consolidate RedBird's sports, business, and live entertainment investments in Milan, with Yormark responsible for shaping the company's business strategy and driving its international expansion.
In a statement, Yormark expressed his enthusiasm: "It's an honor and a privilege to take on this role in a city with Milan's history and passion for sport. I understand the responsibility that comes with leading an organization connected to institutions that mean so much to their supporters and communities. Throughout my career, I have helped sports organizations evolve, expand their reach and create new opportunities, and I look forward to drawing on that experience to execute RedBird's vision for MSE."
A major project on Yormark's agenda is the development of a new 71,500-seat stadium for AC Milan and city rival Inter Milan. The two clubs are collaborating on the venue, which will replace the iconic San Siro stadium. RedBird also has broader ambitions for the city, including exploring a venue-management business focused on food and beverage, merchandise, and premium hospitality.
Additionally, the company is evaluating the acquisition of a Milan franchise in the proposed NBA Europe league, the development of another sports and entertainment venue in nearby San Donato Milanese, and the expansion of the city's presence in international tennis. Yormark will report directly to RedBird founder and managing partner Gerry Cardinale, and his new role is expected to begin after he leaves the Big 12.
Key Analysis
Yormark's departure from the Big 12 was announced at the end of October, concluding a four-year tenure as commissioner. He took over in 2022 and oversaw the addition of eight schools, including BYU and Utah, while guiding the league through significant changes in college athletics. BYU had been invited to join the conference just before Yormark assumed his position. Under his leadership, the Big 12 secured its latest media rights agreement, which pays member schools more than $30 million annually, and the conference also experienced substantial growth in sponsorship and partnership revenue.
Yormark is expected to remain with the Big 12 through the end of January, allowing the conference time to find his successor. Now, after years of navigating the evolving landscape of college athletics, Yormark is preparing for a new challenge: helping to elevate Milan into an even more prominent international sports and entertainment destination.
Originally reported by yahoo.