Sports industry veteran Harvey Schiller has been appointed to the new position of commercial commissioner for the 35th edition of sailing’s America’s Cup.
In the role, Schiller will be responsible for supervising, managing and protecting the commercial interests of the America’s Cup. He will work closely with all of the competitors, the regatta director and the America’s Cup Event Authority.
“This is an exciting time to be involved in the America’s Cup,” Schiller said. “Following the thrilling event we saw last summer, when Oracle Team USA came from behind to win the Cup, interest in the event is as high as it’s ever been. Our job now is to translate those opportunities into growth of the event for the benefit of all participants.”
Schiller has previously served as commissioner of college sport’s Southeastern Conference, the executive director of the US Olympic Committee (USOC) and president of Turner Sports, as well as chairman and chief executive of YankeeNets and president of the International Baseball Federation (IBAF). YankeeNets was the ownership group of MLB baseball team the New York Yankees and NBA basketball franchise the New Jersey Nets.
Schiller currently serves on the board of the World Baseball Classic and the Baseball Hall of Fame. He has also served on the America’s Cup Advisory Board since 2010.
Schiller starts the role with immediate effect. His immediate priorities will include finalising the America’s Cup World Series schedule, format and venues, along with securing international broadcast agreements. The 35th America’s Cup will be held in either San Diego or Bermuda in 2017.
