University of Houston Athletics
McBride Named Senior Associate AD for External Operations
9/24/2019 11:34:00 AM | General
HOUSTON – Michael McBride has joined the University of Houston Athletics Department as senior associate athletics director for external operations, Vice President of Athletics Chris Pezman announced Tuesday.
As part of the athletic director's senior staff team, McBride will have oversight of external units, including communications, marketing, videos and creative services, licensing and retail services. In addition, he will help lead the rollout and development of Houston Athletics' TV production network as part of the American Athletic Conference's new TV rights agreement with ESPN.
"I am excited to have Mike and his family join our Cougar family," Pezman said. "Mike's extensive knowledge of the sports landscape, relationships and his strategic thinking will add great value to achieving our department's objectives. Our shared vision on the future of Houston Athletics and his relationship and communication skills will be an asset to our development efforts in addition to immediately impacting our student and fan engagement."
As MGM Resorts International's first executive director, entertainment & sports corporate partnerships, McBride oversaw the strategy and development of the sponsorship, event, premium, and group ticket sales teams as well as the beverage marketing and corporate service team. He managed the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces' corporate partnerships as the franchise saw record growth in revenue for the 2019 campaign.
"I am honored to be joining Chris' staff and look forward to serving the student-athletes, faculty, staff, coaches and alumni," said McBride. "I will work tirelessly to lead the Houston Cougar brand forward."
McBride joined MGM Resorts International after serving as Jay Jacobs' chief revenue officer at Auburn, tasked with reinvigorating the external operations and creating new revenue opportunities. Under his direction, the execution of Auburn Athletics' most lucrative licensing and concession agreements and implementation of data driven marketing initiatives assisted in substantial revenue growth for the department.
Joining Under Armour in 2009, he played a key role in long-term, brand-loyal partnerships with teams, events and organizations that would define the brand story. Over eight years, he spearheaded headline-making sponsorship deals such as a record agreement with UCLA and Under Armour's multi-year partnership with New York City's elite college basketball programs. McBride also oversaw the creation of the "Reunion" - an all-sport showcase of UA teams, with the pinnacle event held at Madison Square Garden, a first for any shoe and apparel company.
He started his college career at UCLA under the tutelage of Dan Guerrero, serving in various operations capacities.
McBride pursued his life-long love of sports while obtaining his bachelor of science in sports management from West Virginia, working with the Mountaineer football program throughout his time there.
McBride is married to former Long Island All-County and Division I conference champion lacrosse player, Irene Roufanis, with whom he has three children.
