• Loading stock data...
Monday, October 14, 2024
The Best Employers in Sports survey is now open! Take the survey

Mets Owner’s Major Hire Underscores Emphasis on Media Revenue

  • Cohen turns to Bloomberg Media executive to lead team’s business operations.
  • Leadership shifts arrive at critical juncture for franchise.
A general view of Citi Field, home of the New York Mets.
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

With the New York Mets already in the midst of a significant transition after a deeply disappointing 2023 season, the club has turned to a longtime media executive to run its business side. 

The Mets and owner Steve Cohen have hired outgoing Bloomberg Media CEO M. Scott Havens as their new president of business operations. The position has been vacant since Sandy Alderson transitioned to a consulting role last year.

The Mets’ hiring of Havens extends extends a trend seen in many other parts of sports, particularly major college entities such as the Big Ten Conference and Notre Dame, in which media executives are increasingly being tapped for senior leadership roles. In many instances, that media experience is trumping prior tenure in sports.

This latest hire arrives at a pivotal time for the franchise, less than three months after the Mets also hired former Milwaukee Brewers executive David Stearns to run the club’s baseball operations. Havens takes the business reins as Cohen looks to turn the page on a season that began with an MLB-record $344 million Opening Day payroll but ended with a trade-deadline roster dump and a 75-87 record.

Like all other MLB clubs and the league as a whole, the Mets also are seeking to find a solid pathway for their local media rights. 

SportsNet New York — co-owned by former club owner Fred Wilpon’s Sterling Equities, Charter Communications, and NBC Sports Group — is on relatively solid ground compared to the bankrupt Diamond Sports Group. But YouTube TV dropped SNY this past season, and all regional sports networks are grappling with a new reality in the face of accelerated cord-cutting, making Havens’s media experience that much more valuable.

“He’ll provide a modern vision and strategic direction for our organization,” Cohen said.

Set to begin his new role in January, Havens also joins the Mets as Cohen embarks on an ambitious, $8 billion plan to remake the long-derided Citi Field area with a casino and entertainment complex. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

WNBA Postseason Ratings Still Surging Post–Caitlin Clark

The WNBA playoffs still had serious momentum entering the Finals.

WNBA Eyes 16th Team by 2028: Engelbert Evaluates Candidates

Sixteen teams would tie a league record for active franchises.
Natalie Nakase

Valkyries Coach Natalie Nakase: Joe Lacob Wants a Title Within Five Years

Nakase was hired Thursday as the Valkyries’ first coach.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

How the PWHL is Changing Hockey

0:00

Featured Today

Sep 15, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs fans celebrate after a touchdown by Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

‘This Is My Whole Life’: How Swifties Became NFL Superfans

The “Chiefties” have arrived. And they are “fully committed” to football.
Sep 21, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) walks through Buff Walk before the game against the Baylor Bears at Folsom Field.
opinion
October 11, 2024

The NIL Era Is a Wild West. Is Anyone Surprised?

Amateurism is dead and college athletes are professionals. How’s that working out?
October 11, 2024

‘We’re Ready for FBS’: Sacramento State Is Serious About the Jump

How the Hornets got themselves on the short list of potential call-ups.
Duante' Abercrombie News Ch.4 interview
October 9, 2024

Tennessee State’s Ambitious Plan to Launch an HBCU Hockey Program

TSU has big plans, but the university is facing an existential dilemma.

Jaguars Doubling Down on London Games. Is That a Good Thing?

The Jaguars arrive in London on Friday for a 10-day stay.
Sep 27, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Utah Hockey Club forward Ben McCartney (62) directs a team mate before a face off against the Vegas Golden Knights during the second period at T-Mobile Arena
October 9, 2024

Beer Sales Set Record at Utah Hockey Club Debut Game

Beer sales beat any NBA or NHL game at the Delta Center in its history.
October 10, 2024

Twins Hit the Market: Pohlad Family Looks to End Four-Decade Ownership

The MLB club’s ownership is among the longest-tenured in the league.
Sponsored

Rivalries Reign Across Red River and the Beltway, London Calling

According to data from TickPick, renewed battles between bitter foes are spiking ticket prices.
Oct 8, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; The Utah Hockey Club is introduced to the fans before the game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Delta Center.
October 9, 2024

Nothing Obstructs Utah Hockey Club’s NHL Debut

The team pulled off a victory in its inaugural game at the Delta Center.
October 8, 2024

Ryan Smith Sees Salt Lake City As Next Vegas-Like Sports Town

Utah Hockey Club’s owner says all the pieces are falling into place.
October 7, 2024

Utah Hockey Club Debuting to Major Buzz

It’s been a wild ride for Salt Lake City’s new NHL franchise.
October 7, 2024

Update: Hurricane Milton Forcing Teams to Scramble As Storm Nears

The Tampa Bay area is at risk of getting hit by the Category 5 storm.