The Los Angeles Lakers have announced that Lon Rosen will take over as the new president of business operations, replacing Tim Harris who will step down at the end of the season. The decision comes as the team gears up for the critical final stretch of the NBA season.
Rosen previously served as the executive vice president and chief marketing officer for the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2012, a period during which the team celebrated significant success, winning three World Series championships. Notably, he was integral in boosting the Dodgers’ revenue through innovative marketing strategies and business acumen.
Before his time with the Dodgers, Rosen had an early connection with the Lakers; he began his career as an intern for the franchise during his college years and later held an executive position with the team in the 1980s. This return marks a significant homecoming for Rosen.
Lakers governor and minority owner Jeanie Buss expressed her appreciation for Rosen in a statement, highlighting his deep understanding of both the sports and entertainment industries. “For many years, I have seen the impact that Lon has had in our industry,” she noted, emphasizing his capability and reputation.
Harris, who played a key role in securing a $3 billion, 20-year partnership with Charter Communications to launch Spectrum SportsNet, announced his departure earlier this week.
Rosen expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I’m beyond grateful to Jeanie and Mark for trusting me with this incredible opportunity.” He acknowledged the evolving nature of sports economics but emphasized a straightforward mission: to ensure a remarkable experience for fans while supporting the team’s employees and partners.
This strategic change within the Lakers’ organization aims to enhance fan engagement and solidify the franchise’s legacy in Los Angeles and beyond. With Rosen at the helm, the Lakers are poised to navigate the upcoming challenges of the sports business landscape effectively.