The Los Angeles Lakers announced that they have hired Michael Spetner as the team’s new Chief Strategy and Growth Officer. This is a completely new role within the Lakers’ front office that will see Spetner be responsible for the franchise’s long-term business strategy, driving value and identifying new opportunities for international growth.
Spetner is another Lakers hire coming over from the Los Angeles Dodgers as the synergy between the two organizations since Mark Walter took over as owner continues to grow. Spetner has been with the Dodgers for the last 10 years, most recently serving as the Vice President of Business Strategy and Analytics.
“As we look to redefine what’s possible across the sports landscape for fans and partners, we will build on the Lakers legacy and orient toward the future to consider what’s next,” said Lakers new President of Business Operations Lon Rosen. “Michael’s leadership will help us optimize our business to ensure long-term value.”
With the success that the Dodgers have had both on and off the field, it makes sense that some of their top executives would come over and look to do the same with the Lakers. Spetner is obviously familiar with Rosen from their time together with the Dodgers and now they will look to carry over that same business success with the Lakers.
Spetner played an important role in driving Dodgers’ commercial opportunities, including implementing business models for rights holders as well as modernizing the fan ecosystem by combining in-arena experiences with digital communities.
Spetner was also important to the international growth of the Dodgers, leading the franchise’s efforts in launching a Japan-based fan club and creating an immersive museum-style exhibition in Tokyo, which celebrated the Dodgers’ history and global appeal.
The Lakers are already one of the most popular franchises internationally with both Kobe Bryant and LeBron James having massive fanbases across the globe and, of course, Luka Doncic being an international superstar from Slovenia as well. As such Spetner will have plenty to work with as he looks to further the Lakers’ brand around the world.
Lon Rosen looking forward to expanding global reach of Lakers star Luka Doncic
Lakers President of Business Operations Lon Rosen has already spoken to this point as well, specifically regarding superstar guard Luka Doncic whom Rosen says he is looking forward to expanding his already massive global reach.
“Sitting in my Dodger seat?” Rosen recently said. “I only dream that we would have the reach that the Lakers have. Let’s face it, having Luka Doncic doesn’t hurt at all. I mean, he’s one of the most popular players in the world, and we want to, obviously, you know, jump on his shoulders and see what we can reach out there. I mean, that’s a really unique player. His global reach is everywhere.”
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