legends
Responsible for building Legends’ collegiate business over the past eight years, Michael Behan has had a hand in reimagining the in-venue experience for some of college sports’ highest-profile names.
This work included assisting universities with new and renovated stadium and arena projects while launching new verticals across naming and multimedia rights and fundraising. These premium hospitality and fan amenity projects include the University of Notre Dame’s Campus Crossroads Project, 1842 Club and Foley’s, and USC’s 1923 Club at the renovated Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Behan got his start with the Cleveland Cavaliers, first as an intern while he was attending LeMoyne College, and then becoming the franchise’s director of business development. He credits meeting current Legends executives Mike Ondrejko and Chad Estis early during his stint with the Cavaliers as a pivotal moment that set the table for his career growth.
“I truly believe the most important thing is working with great people who have your interests and your career interests at the forefront of what they’re doing,” Behan said. “Those two guys probably spend more time focusing on investing in others than they do the actual business of what they’re trying to accomplish.”
When Behan gives advice to young people trying to break into the sports business, he emphasizes the importance of having mentors who care about them.
“I think my past has been so influenced by having a great group of three or four people I’ve worked with pretty much my entire career and have looked out for me and have taught me the business,” Behan said.
Vice President, Collegiate Partnerships, Legends Global Sales
Age: 36
Born: Binghamton, N.Y.
Education: Le Moyne College, BBA
Family: Wife, Amanda; daughters, Madison (3), Emma (1)
Profession I’d most like to attempt: High school basketball coach.
Guilty pleasure: Chocolate peanut butter ice cream.
Causes supported: Organizations that support youth education, health and wellness.
Person in the industry I’d most like to meet: Adam Silver.
Most unusual question asked while networking: How often do you get to play basketball with the players?
Sports industry needs to do a better job of … : Hiring and promoting women and minorities into leadership positions.
Sports business leaders should be more mindful of … : Developing the next generation of fans and supporters.
Ideal day off: Morning run on the beach, day spent with daughters swimming in the ocean, and dinner and a bottle of wine with my wife.
