Robert Pera names Jason Levien as new CEO of Memphis Grizzlies franchise – NBA News
The Memphis Grizzlies new owner Robert Pera announced on Sunday that former Philadelphia 76ers minority owner Jason Levien will be the new CEO and managing director of the Grizzlies franchise. Levien, who recently sold off his share in the Sixers franchise to join the Pera led group that bought the Memphis Grizzlies, will be taking over as the CEO and managing director of Memphis Basketball, LLC, which operates the Grizzlies as well as the FedExForum. This means that he will be directly involved with basketball related activities, and will head General Manager Chris Wallace and head coach Lionel Hollins.
"Jason and I share a vision for building a world-class team on and off-the-court. He has my complete trust, confidence and support in how best to lead our organization's efforts,” said Pera in a released statement.
Levien is a former front office executive of the Sacramento Kings, and was part of the Joshua Harris led group that purchased the Philadelphia 76ers in 2011. He is also the general partner of DC United of Major League Soccer, which he co-owns with Erick Thohir.
The sale of the Grizzlies to the group led by Pera was finalized and agreed last month by the NBA for a reported $377 million. Pera is a former apple engineer who left the company in 2005 to start his own communications technology company. Today, he is one of the youngest billionaires in the world. His ownership group includes singer/actor Justin Timberlake, and Ashley Manning who is the wife of NFL quarterback Peyton Manning. Both Timberlake and Manning are Memphis natives.
"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," said Levien after the announcement.
Pera and Levien will conduct a press conference on Monday along with other members of the ownership group where they will unveil and discuss their plans for the Grizzlies franchise. The change in ownership is expected to commence a new era in the history of the Grizzlies franchise, and many are predicting positive changes to take place with the arrival of the new owners.
Tags: