scott levy / msg photos
It’s been a meteoric rise at one of the biggest sports properties for Jordan Solomon, who entered the industry in 2013 and now works as executive vice president of Madison Square Garden Sports.
Solomon joined McKinsey & Co. after earning his MBA from Dartmouth College. In 2013, after more than seven years at McKinsey, he decided to begin his sports career when he was hired by the NBA as a vice president in the league’s team marketing and business operations.
“When it was time to move on from McKinsey, I made a bucket list of five to seven type of companies I wanted to work for and one was sports,” Solomon said. “I was fortunate to get my start with the NBA.”
Solomon was assigned to the New York Knicks as part of his NBA duties and his familiarity with the property led to his MSG Sports job in 2016.
Solomon wasted little time making his mark at MSG as he overhauled the Knicks and Rangers ticketing systems and helped boost sponsorship revenue.
Over the past 12 months, Solomon played a key role in MSG’s entry into esports with its acquisition of Counter Logic Gaming.
“We looked across the ecosystem,” Solomon said. “We looked at everyone. We found the right partner at the right time. It is just the beginning. Being part of esports we see as transformational for our organization.”
In addition, he has been closely involved in the Knicks startup franchise in the NBA 2K esports league and has helped transform the Garden into a more fan-friendly venue.
“What an exciting property and company to be at in the heart and soul of New York City,” Solomon said.
— John Lombardo
Age: 39
Where born: Boston
Education: University of Wisconsin – Madison, B.A., economics and international relations; John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, MPA; Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College, MBA.
Family: Wife, Julie; children, Bennett (8), Isaac (6)
What gets you fired up? There is nothing like celebrating a Ranger’s goal in a close game when 18,000 people sing the Rangers goal song.
Guilty pleasure: I’ll eat a grilled kosher hot dog over pretty much any other food.
Something that your friends would consider “so you”: Asking questions. I ask a lot of questions.
Charity supported: I’m on the board of Seeds of Peace, a program that brings Arab and Israeli teenagers together.
I am one of the best I know at … : Pop-a-shot. It’s the only athletic skill that stuck with me from my early years.
Forty Under 40 class members would be surprised to know that I … : Sang the national anthem at Fenway Park.
