Rutgers Athletics has turned to a familiar name in the sports business world to lead its next phase.
Scarlet Knight Enterprises announced Tuesday that Fred Mangione will serve as its new chief executive officer, with his tenure set to begin on August 3. The hire brings more than 30 years of experience to Rutgers, along with a résumé built on revenue growth, premium sales, sponsorships and organizational change.
Mangione said the job carries special meaning for him.
"Few opportunities could mean more to me than helping build the future of Rutgers Athletics," said Mangione. "As a lifelong New Jersey resident, I've spent my career helping grow professional sports organizations throughout this region, and I understand the pride Rutgers represents for our state. College athletics is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history, and Rutgers is uniquely positioned to become a national leader in this new environment."
His most recent stop was with the NYNJ Host Committee for the FIFA World Cup, where he served as chief business officer. In that role, he oversaw commercial business operations for the matches at MetLife Stadium, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final. He also helped guide regional fundraising and economic development efforts through partnerships, hospitality and ticketing, while working to expand FIFA events across New York and New Jersey.
Rutgers athletic director Keli Zinn said Mangione is the right fit for what Scarlet Knight Enterprises is trying to build.
"Scarlet Knight Enterprises was created to accelerate how Rutgers Athletics generates revenue, builds strategic partnerships, and positions itself to compete at a higher level," said Director of Athletics Keli Zinn. "Fred Mangione is the ideal leader to help us achieve that vision.
Fred has a strong history of delivering exceptional results for some of the most recognizable brands in sports and entertainment. His deep understanding of the New Jersey and New York sports and business landscape will be instrumental to our success."
Board chairman Oliver Luck echoed that confidence.
"We are excited to welcome Fred Mangione as our new CEO," said Board Chairman Oliver Luck. "Fred is a proven leader with a track record of driving revenue growth and building successful organizations which is critical for Scarlet Knight Enterprises as we continue to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities ahead."
Mangione’s background stretches across several major sports properties. Before his work with the World Cup host committee, he founded M&M Sports Consulting, advising brands on naming rights, organizational structure, ticket sales and corporate sponsorships.
His clients included the Big 12 Conference, Red Bull New York, the NY Islanders, UBS Arena, FanIQ and Seat Club. He also helped the Big 12 Conference restructure and commercialize its front office operations and played a role in securing the naming rights for Red Bull New York’s home venue, Sports Illustrated Stadium.
He also spent time with the New York Jets as senior vice president of sales, marketing & premium partnerships, where he helped turn around declining revenue and produced year-over-year growth each year. That work pushed the franchise into the NFL’s top five in revenue rankings, and he was part of the team’s award-winning rebranding effort.
Mangione’s longest run came with the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center organization, where he spent nearly two decades in executive leadership roles as chief operating officer, chief revenue officer and chief marketing officer. He helped guide the Nets’ move to Brooklyn, supported the rebrand around the identity of the new home and helped establish Barclays Center as one of the country’s premier sports and entertainment venues.
Across those stops, Mangione built a reputation as a collaborative executive who could bring people together, modernize commercial operations and create durable revenue streams in tough markets.
He graduated from Centenary University with degrees in business, management and marketing, and he now serves on the school’s Board of Trustees.
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