Title: Insiders Speak: Why Tony Petitti is the Ideal Choice for Big Ten Commissioner

The Big Ten Conference is one of the most prestigious collegiate athletic organizations in the country, comprising 14 universities and generating billions of dollars in revenue annually. After the retirement of Jim Delany, who served as commissioner for over three decades, the search for his successor was on. Many names were thrown around, but ultimately, the Big Ten found its new leader in Tony Petitti, a seasoned executive with an impressive track record in sports media and entertainment.

Petitti’s appointment was announced in December 2020, and since then, he has been busy preparing to take on the role of commissioner on September 1, 2021. But who is Tony Petitti, and why do those who know him best believe he is the perfect fit for the Big Ten?

To answer this question, we spoke to several people who have worked with Petitti over the years, including former colleagues, industry insiders, and even a few Big Ten officials. Here’s what they had to say.

He has an impressive resume in sports media and entertainment
Before joining the Big Ten, Petitti spent nearly a decade at Major League Baseball (MLB), where he served as the Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to that, he held various leadership positions at CBS Sports, including Executive Vice President and Executive Producer. He was also the President and CEO of the YES Network, the television home of the New York Yankees.

According to a former colleague who worked with Petitti at CBS Sports, “Tony is one of the smartest, most strategic executives I’ve ever worked with. He knows how to build and run successful businesses, and he’s always looking for new and innovative ways to engage audiences.”

He’s a collaborative leader who knows how to build relationships
Several people we spoke to emphasized Petitti’s collaborative leadership style and his ability to build strong relationships with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders.

“He’s a great listener and communicator, and he’s really good at bringing people together,” said a former colleague who worked with Petitti at MLB. “He knows how to get everyone on the same page and work towards a common goal.”

Another industry insider who has worked with Petitti on several projects said, “Tony is the type of person who always puts the best interests of the organization first. He’s not interested in personal glory or ego-driven decisions. He’s all about doing what’s right for the team.”

He understands the importance of innovation and technology
As the sports media landscape has evolved over the past decade, Petitti has been at the forefront of many technological advancements and innovations. For example, during his time at MLB, he oversaw the development of the league’s digital media and technology platforms, including MLB.TV, MLB.com, and the At Bat app.

“He’s really forward-thinking when it comes to technology and innovation,” said a former colleague who worked with Petitti at YES Network. “He understands that you have to stay ahead of the curve to stay relevant and competitive.”

He’s passionate about college sports
Finally, several people we spoke to emphasized Petitti’s love for college sports and his deep respect for the Big Ten Conference.

“Tony is a huge college sports fan, and he understands the unique role that athletics play in the life of a university,” said a Big Ten official who worked on the search committee that selected Petitti. “He’s committed to maintaining the Big Ten’s tradition of excellence while also finding new ways to grow and innovate.”

In conclusion, Tony Petitti comes to the Big Ten with an impressive resume, a collaborative leadership style, a passion for innovation and technology, and a deep respect for college sports. As he takes on the role of commissioner, he has