🏆 Career Insights: Navigating the Global Sports Industry

From New Jersey to the World of Sports

Chris’s passion for sports began in Northern Jersey and grew through playing soccer and lacrosse at Wesleyan University. As graduation neared, a pivotal conversation with his father convinced him to follow his passion for sports. After researching opportunities in the sports business, Chris secured an internship at ProServ, eventually becoming personal assistant to its founder, Donald Dell. This role laid the groundwork for his future career as he learned about agency operations, sponsorship sales, and media rights. Although Chris had the opportunity to become a tennis agent, he opted to explore other avenues, ultimately transitioning to a job with ESPN during its rapid growth phase. 

Chris eventually took a leap of faith, joining Premiere Sports and Entertainment as a key player focused on sports marketing. His experiences there culminated in a significant acquisition by Van Wagner, where he became head of property sales. His career reached a pivotal moment when he connected with a co-owner of DC United. This conversation opened the door to an unexpected opportunity: the chance to serve as the COO and run the business side of Swansea City A.F.C. This unique role would blend his professional expertise with his lifelong passion for soccer. After three years in Swansea, Chris became the President of Kaplan Levien Sports, the holding company for the majority ownership group overseeing both DC United and Swansea City A.F.C., before co-founding Aggregate Sports in 2020 with Rem de Rohan.

New York City to South Wales

Chris’s experience leading Swansea City A.F.C. marked a significant turning point in both his personal and professional life. Relocating to Wales presented challenges, especially for his family, but it also offered a chance to embrace a different lifestyle. With its rich history and working-class roots, he notes that Swansea contrasts his previous life in New York. This change allowed Chris and his family to immerse themselves in a close-knit community where the football club is a central part of life. “This football club is literally the center of "everything that happens there. So, to be around that environment was unique and special.”

Professionally, the role expanded his perspective. He went from representing clients to being the client. It taught him how to work better with agencies and manage team operations from the inside. He also saw how local sports teams in the U.K. are embedded in their communities in ways that U.S. sports teams often aren’t. Managing Swansea through relegation gave Chris a crash course in how to make tough financial decisions during hard times. "It was truly the center of everything there, and nothing in the U.S. compares to it. Experiencing that firsthand and being part of it was fascinating. I understood that relegation was possible when we moved, but going through it—figuring out how to become leaner with fewer resources—was a challenging and eye-opening experience. I learned a lot from that process."

What Drives Chris & Keys to Working in Sports

Chris's motivation to get up and go to work each day is deeply rooted in his love for his family. While he genuinely enjoys his job, “working with a great team and a wonderful business partner,” he acknowledges that the true driving force behind his efforts is his desire to provide for his family. Chris finds fulfillment in his work and appreciates the relationships he’s built with colleagues, but at the end of the day, his family gives him purpose. For him, work is not just about personal success or professional achievement—it’s about ensuring his loved ones are cared for and creating a future for them. This balance of professional enjoyment and personal motivation keeps him energized and focused.

Reflecting on what advice he would give his younger self, Chris stresses the importance of authentic networking. He recalls a pivotal moment from his college days when a lawyer spoke about the challenges of being judged by their network rather than their professional abilities. This resonated with Chris, leading him to advise others to build relationships genuinely and proactively. He believes staying in touch with former colleagues can yield long-term benefits, reinforcing that relationships matter throughout one’s career. “I’m friends with them. It’s not just they’re clients of mine.” Chris notes that while there’s no definitive formula for success, a blend of leadership, intelligence, hard work, and vital networking is essential. “Honesty, diligence, and interpersonal skills serve as cornerstones for anyone aiming to grow their career in sports.”

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