The American Athletic Conference is looking to name Tim Pernetti as their next commissioner, according to sources. Pernetti, currently the president of IMG Academy, has a wealth of experience in college sports from his time as the athletic director at Rutgers. He also has a strong background in television, having worked for ABC sports and ABC Enhanced TV. Additionally, he has professional experience in Major League Soccer as the Chief Business Officer for New York City FC.
Pernetti is expected to take over for Mike Aresco, who recently retired as the only commissioner in the AAC’s history. The conference has seen significant changes recently, with the addition of schools like Rice, UTSA, and North Texas. The AAC is currently under a television contract with ESPN through the 2031-32 academic year.
Despite a controversial incident that led to his resignation from Rutgers, Pernetti has been widely regarded as a top executive in the sports industry. His experience in television, college athletics, and campus leadership make him a strong candidate for the commissioner role. The trend of hiring non-traditional candidates for commissioner positions can be seen across other conferences as well, such as the Big 12 and Big Ten. Pernetti’s blend of skills and experience make him a solid choice for the job.
