People Who Made Sports Business Headlines In 2011

Many brands, execs and ideas caught our eye in ’11. Here are five that, for better or worse, made an impression this year.

PACKERS CEO MARK MURPHY: Murphy’s year to remember began with a Super Bowl victory, followed by a key role in the NFL’s labor committee. Now, Murphy is overseeing a significant renovation of Lambeau Field and directed the fifth stock sale in the team’s history. Could another title be headed to Titletown in February?

STEWART-HAAS RACING OWNER/DRIVER TONY STEWART: Zero. That was how many wins Tony Stewart had going into NASCAR’s Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship. Three months later, he had five. The fifth and final win came in dramatic fashion, with Stewart making 76 passes to clinch his third NASCAR championship. It made him the first owner-driver to win a title since Alan Kulwicki in '92, and played a large role in ESPN’s 15% increase in ratings for the Chase.

NBPA EXEC DIR BILLY HUNTER: Hunter spent much of the year on the defensive as the NBPA battled with the league over a new labor deal. It was a tumultuous process for Hunter, who faced criticism from his own players. Fewer than half of the union’s 400 members voted on the deal, so the jury is still out on just how well the agreement will play out for NBPA members, and what effect it will have on Hunter’s future.

EXCEL SPORTS MANAGEMENT AGENT MARK STEINBERG: Has any agent with one client ever generated this much buzz? Tiger Woods’ representative acrimoniously parted ways with IMG and took his star golfer with him to Excel Sports Management, sending waves throughout the golf industry. He has since added Matt Kuchar, signed Rolex and Fuse Science to sponsor Tiger, and appears well on his way to building a strong golf business at Excel.

GRANTLAND.COM FOUNDER BILL SIMMONS: One of the most influential sports columnists in the business, Simmons launched the unconventional Grantland.com, an ESPN-owned website devoted to long-form writing and a mix of sports and pop culture. The guiding force behind the acclaimed documentary series "30 for 30," Simmons also is looking to launch an ESPN TV show based on his popular podcasts. He has continued to position himself as a voice for the next generation of sports fans and young writers.