LIV Golf announced that it appointed veteran sports industry executive Chris Heck to the newly created role of president of Business Operations. Reporting to CEO Scott O’Neil, effective June 16. Heck will be responsible for global business operations.
The former President of the English Premier League’s Aston Villa FC, the National Basketball Association’s Philadelphia 76ers, and Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls brings over 30 years of industry knowledge and commercial success to the first global golf league.
“Chris Heck brings a commercial mindset, the proven ability to attract, retain and develop talented executives and a consistent and proven track record of driving exponential growth to the businesses he leads. These qualities and his approach will continue to move us closer to the extraordinary vision of His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan,” said Scott O’Neil, LIV Golf CEO. “Chris’ passion to elevate brands, engage corporate partners, deliver authentic fan and brand engagement with global impact, and a drive towards innovation will ensure we continue on a strong growth trajectory for our league and teams.”
“I am deeply honored to join LIV Golf during this important moment for the league and to support a global leader in golf devoted to expanding the game’s reach to new communities across the world through the leadership of His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan,” said Heck. “LIV Golf represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to redefine the global golf landscape with dynamic athletes, immersive events, and a commitment to growth, accessibility, and innovation.”
Heck applied his brand expertise to his role as president of Aston Villa FC, reporting to Aston Villa’s ownership, which includes Nassef Sawiris, Wes Edens and Atairos. During his two years with the company, Heck “more than doubled commercial revenue, contributing to a significant surge in the Club’s valuation by nearly 20 percent in the past two years alone,” said LIV in a media release.
Before his role within the EPL, Heck led the Philadelphia 76ers’ front office as president of Business Operations and chief revenue officer for nearly a decade (2013-2022). During that time, the NBA franchise’s valuation “increased by over $2.5 billion, won awards in brand, marketing, culture, and commercial categories, developed an NBA-leading Training Complex and G-League arena, and more.” Heck’s tenure as president was capped by a home game sellout streak extending over 200 games.
Heck’s contributions in the NBA extend to his leadership within the league office’s Team Marketing and Business Operations division, where he advised NBA teams on ticket sales and service, sponsorship development and marketing, managed the NBA’s Canadian business, and oversaw all business and marketing for USA Basketball’s Senior Men’s and Women’s National Teams.
As President of the MLS New York Red Bulls, Heck played a pivotal role in the planning, marketing and commercial launch of one of the league’s first soccer-specific stadiums, Red Bull Arena, while elevating the Club’s brand development, partnership and commercial success, and enhancing the fan experience.
He has additionally held senior positions with the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles, NBA’s Miami Heat, Villanova Sports Properties, and others. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Villanova University and served as an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University.
Heck’s appointment follows LIV Golf’s January 2025 announcement that 25-year NBA, NHL and NFL executive Scott O’Neil would assume the role of CEO. Over the past five months, LIV Golf has secured new broadcast partnerships with Fox, ITV, DAZN, and KC Global Media, expanding its global footprint across linear and digital platforms to reach 874 million households in over 120 international markets.
Images courtesy LIV Golf
