The Madison Square Garden Company Names Dan Fleeter Head of Esports
NEW YORK, July 30, 2019 – The Madison Square Garden Company (NYSE: MSG) today announced that Dan Fleeter has been named head of MSG’s esports division, effective today. Mr. Fleeter, a well-regarded sports industry executive, most recently served as vice president of Corporate Development for The Madison Square Garden Company and was on the Board of Directors of Counter Logic Gaming (CLG).
As MSG’s head of esports, Mr. Fleeter will oversee all business operations for CLG. Mr. Fleeter will serve as CLG’s chief operating officer, working closely with Kristin Bernert, MSG Sports senior vice president of business operations and CLG Founder and President George “HotshotGG” Georgallidis on advancing the organization’s initiatives. Mr. Fleeter will be responsible for developing and executing the strategy for maximizing business performance, launching new business initiatives to grow the brand, driving marketing partnerships and enhancing fan engagement. In addition, he will develop relationships with major game publishers and leagues across the esports industry, including the NBA2K League, as well as help create events to showcase esports content at MSG’s venues across the country.
“Dan has been at the forefront and played a key role in the growth of MSG’s presence in the esports industry and we know he is the perfect fit for this leadership position,” said Andrew Lustgarten, President, The Madison Square Garden Company.
“Dan’s vision and passion for esports is an instrumental asset to CLG and our partners,” said Ms. Bernert. “CLG is in the midst of one of the most exciting times in the organization, between the opening of our Performance Center, the success of all our teams and with Dan taking on this role, I cannot wait to see what the future holds for CLG.”
“Dan and I have worked together since CLG and MSG first became partners and there is no better person at understanding what it takes for an esports franchise to flourish,” said Mr. Georgallidis. “Dan’s ambition, drive and preparation are infectious and exactly what CLG needs to ensure continued success in all areas of the organization.”
“It’s an incredible honor to take on this role for MSG,” said Mr. Fleeter. “I began working at MSG in 2015, right before CLG won the NA LCS Summer Split in front of a sold-out Arena and I know firsthand that this is one of the best esports organizations in the world. I’ve enjoyed working with George, CLG players and staff over the last several years and admire what they have built and cannot wait to help continue that growth.”
Mr. Fleeter most recently served as vice president of Corporate Development for The Madison Square Garden Company, where he was responsible for identifying, executing and managing growth initiatives in the sports and entertainment industry. He played an essential role in negotiating and executing the partnership that brought MSG and CLG together and assisted with developing Knicks Gaming, MSG’s NBA2K League franchise. Prior to joining MSG in 2015, Mr. Fleeter was an engagement manager for McKinsey & Company, where he advised an array of media, entertainment and technology clients in the areas of business strategy, marketing and operations. Before McKinsey & Company, he held positions at Major League Baseball and Deloitte Consulting. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Emory University and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School.
About The Madison Square Garden Company
The Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) is a world leader in live sports and entertainment experiences. The company presents or hosts a broad array of premier events in its diverse collection of iconic venues: New York’s Madison Square Garden, Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Beacon Theatre; the Forum in Inglewood, CA; and The Chicago Theatre. Other MSG properties include legendary sports franchises: the New York Knicks (NBA) and the New York Rangers (NHL); two development league teams – the Westchester Knicks (NBAGL) and the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL); and esports teams through Counter Logic Gaming, a leading North American esports organization, and Knicks Gaming, MSG’s NBA 2K League franchise. In addition, the Company features the popular original production – the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes – and through Boston Calling Events, produces New England’s preeminent Boston Calling Music Festival. Also under the MSG umbrella is TAO Group, a world-class hospitality group with globally-recognized entertainment dining and nightlife brands: Tao, Marquee, Lavo, Avenue, Beauty & Essex and Vandal. More information is available at www.themadisonsquaregardencompany.com
About Counter Logic Gaming
CLG is a top tier North American esports organization respected for its championship legacy and passionate fanbase. CLG was founded originally in 2010 as a League of Legends team by George Georgallidis, with the intent of pushing the boundaries of esports and creating a thriving community around it. CLG is now one of the largest esports organizations in the world. CLG fields teams in all leading esports titles: League of Legends, Fortnite, Counter Strike: Global Offensive and Super Smash Bros. In 2017, CLG partnered with the Madison Square Garden Company, allowing CLG to further disrupt and cement its legacy in esports history. CLG has won multiple championships throughout its history, most notable are the LCS Summer 2015 Championship at Madison Square Garden, the LCS Spring 2016 Championship at Mandalay Bay; and the Halo 2016 World Championship in Hollywood, California. More information is available at www.clg.gg
Contacts:
Ryan Watson / [email protected] / 212-465-5945