MEMPHIS, November 4, 2012 – Memphis Grizzlies Chairman Robert Pera announced today that he has named seasoned sports executive Jason Levien as the new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner of Memphis Basketball, LLC, which operates the Memphis Grizzlies and FedExForum. In this role, Levien will have leadership responsibility for the entire organization; serve as the ownership group's Managing Partner and as an Alternate NBA Governor.
“Jason and I share a vision for building a world-class team on and off-the-court,” Grizzlies Chairman Robert Pera said. “He has my complete trust, confidence and support in how best to lead our organization's efforts."
“I’m honored to be part of such a dynamic and potential-filled opportunity here in Memphis,” Memphis Grizzlies & FedExForum CEO Jason Levien said. “I appreciate what a special role the Grizzlies and FedExForum play in the Memphis community and I know that we will build successfully on the foundation already in place.”
Levien was, until recently, a co-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and prior to that he served as an NBA team executive with the Sacramento Kings. Levien spent a decade representing professional athletes, including advising multiple NBA first-round draft picks and high-profile free agents. He serves as a general partner for Major League Soccer’s DC United. He graduated from Pomona College, where he was a member of the basketball team, and earned a law degree and masters in public policy from the University of Michigan.
An introductory media conference for Pera and Levien will be held at 10 a.m. tomorrow, November 5. Members of the new ownership group will also be on hand for their first formal event at FedExForum to tip-off a new era in Memphis Grizzlies basketball. Both media and the general public are invited to attend. For those members of Grizz Nation unable to attend in person, the press conference will be streamed in its entirety online at grizzlies.com.
The Grizzlies open their 2012-13 regular season home schedule against the Utah Jazz that evening at 7 p.m. Fans are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy the Opening Night Plaza Party. Beginning two hours prior to tip-off the Plaza Party will feature music, inflatables, face painters, balloon artists, official Grizzlies merchandise, sign-making stations and an interactive video game trailer. Other highlights include appearances from Grizz, the Grizz Girls and Claw Crew. Also, the first 10,000 fans through the doors will receive a Grizzlies T-Shirt presented by First Tennessee Bank.
Fans who want to support the Memphis Grizzlies and purchase tickets to Opening Night, 2012-13 Season Tickets, or 10 and 20-Game Packs can do so by calling (901) 888-HOOP or going online to grizzlies.com. Tickets for the Plaza IV and Terrace IV sections are already sold out.