The American Athletic Conference (AAC) is reportedly set to appoint Tim Pernetti as their next commissioner, according to sources at ESPN. Pernetti currently serves as the president of IMG Academy and brings a wealth of experience in college sports to the role. He previously served as athletic director at Rutgers and has also worked as chief business officer for New York City FC in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Pernetti’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the AAC, which has recently added several new teams to the conference. His diverse background in television, college sports, and on-campus experience make him a valuable candidate for the commissioner role. He will be replacing Mike Aresco, who has held the position since the league’s inception 11 years ago.
Despite a setback early in his career involving a scandal involving his basketball coach’s abusive behavior at Rutgers, Pernetti has continued to excel in his career and bring value to the industry with his experience from CSTV, ABC Sports, and ABC Enhanced TV. His non-traditional background is part of a growing trend of hiring diverse candidates for commissioner roles.
