Jan 2021 staff moves and sports business industry news in one spot — updated as they happen, so make sure you check back throughout the month.
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Jan 5, 2021
The National Hockey League partners with Discover, Honda, MassMutual and Scotiabank with each brand set to serve as one of the official division names for the pandemic-altered 2020-21 season:
- Scotia NHL North Division (Calgary, Edmonton, Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg)
- Honda NHL West Division (Anaheim, Arizona, Colorado, Los Angeles, Minnesota, San Jose, St. Louis, Vegas)
- Discover NHL Central Division (Carolina, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Florida, Nashville, Tampa Bay)
- MassMutual NHL East Division (Boston, Buffalo, New Jersey, NY Islanders, NY Rangers, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington)
Each team will play every other team in its division eight times with the exception of the Scotia NHL North Division, which will play every other team in its division nine or 10 times, to minimize team travel as much as possible.
Jan 6, 2021
Mike Whan, LPGA Commissioner since 2010, announces he will be stepping down later this year. A search is underway for his replacement.
Jan 11, 2021
American Hockey League (AHL) names Hayley Moore is the league’s new VP, Hockey Operations, from President, NWHL Boston Pride. She will join the AHL Feb 8, 2021, following the conclusion of the Pride’s season.
Jan 14, 2021
Miami Marlins elevate Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza to become the organization’s first VP, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. She will continue to serve as Executive Director, Miami Marlins Foundation. 
MLS Montréal Impact announce an identity change, which includes a new name and brand transformation. Going forward, the team will be known as Club de Foot Montréal (CF Montréal, CFM or CFMTL).
New Jersey Devils, Prudential Center and PlayUp, an Australian-owned online betting entertainment and technology group, announce a multi-year agreement. PlayUp becomes the presenting partner of the Devils newly redesigned PlayUp Studio, the team’s Season Preview Show, as well as the Pre-Game Live Show prior to all Devils home games. PlayUp will also hold a permanent in-arena activation location called the “PlayUp Sports Lounge,” as well as a TV-visible dasherboard, corner in-ice logo, and virtual signage within Pru Center.
Philadelphia 76ers ink Verizon as an official team partner in a new multi-year deal. Verizon becomes the 76ers exclusive mobile 5G partner and presenting partner of the 76ers Official Mobile Application. The deal also provides members of Verizon’s loyalty program, Verizon Up, with unique opportunities to claim 76ers prizes and VIP experiences.
Jan 15, 2021
Playfly Sports names Haynes Hendrickson SVP, Business Development, from SVP & GM at MarketCast/Turnkey Intelligence. Turnkey Search handled the search process.
Jan 18, 2021
MKTG Sports & Entertainment Global announces several senior leadership developments in Australia: current Managing Director Matt Connell adds leading MKTG’s APAC region; Jarrad Provis becomes GM, Marketing Strategy; Jeremy Francis, is elevated to COO; and Stephanie Rudnick, formerly head of PR for the XFL, has relocated from New York to Sydney to rejoin MKTG and run the agency’s global communications effort, as well as head up MKTG’s newly-developed Hospitality & Events offering.
Jan 20, 2021
Pac-12 Conference announces commissioner Larry Scott will step down one year early: “Following ongoing discussions between its governing executive committee, its presidents and Commissioner Larry Scott, it was mutually agreed that the Commissioner would not seek a new contract. The decision was made well in advance of next year’s contract expiration, in part, to allow a new commissioner to be in place to negotiate and maximize the Conference’s next important long-term media rights agreement. The Conference and Scott decided it was time for new leadership after his 11-year tenure. Scott’s existing contract is scheduled to expire in Jun 2022 and it was agreed he will remain in the role until Jun 30, 2021 to assist in the transition.”
Jan 25, 2021
Executive search/talent recruitment firm ZRG, announces its move into sports with the acquisition of Turnkey Search. All Turnkey staff and assets merge into ZRG, with the new unit renamed TurnkeyZRG. TurnkeyZRG will continue to be led by Len Perna, Turnkey’s founder, chairman & CEO.
Major League Baseball (MLB) and LoanDepot announce a new multi-year partnership establishing LoanDepot as the Official Mortgage Provider of MLB.
Jan 26, 2021
AdventHealth and Orlando Magic unveil an enhanced, multiyear partnership with AdventHealth picking up naming rights for the AdventHealth Training Center, a new, 130,000-square-foot facility slated to open in Spring 2022. The venue will feature two basketball courts where the Magic will practice, expanded strength and conditioning, training and recovery facilities, an aquatic area with physical therapy areas and hydrotherapy pools, sports science and nutrition facilities, the latest audio-video and imaging technology, flexible hospitality areas, and work space for the team’s coaching and basketball front office staffs. The $70 million, privately funded, two-story building located one block from the Amway Center will also include a 33,300-square-foot medical center.
Q2 and Austin FC announce a partnership with Q2 acquiring naming rights to AFC’s under-construction stadium to be known going forward as Q2 Stadium. In addition, Q2 becomes the Official Community Partner of Austin FC. Excel Sports brokers the partnership.
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Updated: Jan 28, 2021