Tad Brown has agreed to become CEO of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, both holdings of Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment.
"Tad has an extensive track record of success in the sports and entertainment industry, and we are excited to lead our elite management team on HBSE's next chapter," co-founder David Blitzer said in a statement. "With his experience and passion for growing businesses and global brands, he is poised to lead our organization's path and reach new levels of achievement."
Brown spent the past 15 years as CEO of the Houston Rockets, where he was the franchise's representative on the NBA's board of governors. Brown left Houston in April, and is now reunited with Daryl Morey, the Sixers president of basketball operations, with whom he shares significant Western Conference success and a close working relationship with the Rockets.
In 13 years with the Rockets, Brown and Morey saw a 640–400 (.615) record, the second best in the NBA during that time. He has long described a "shorthand" of understanding and interaction that has been beneficial in collaboration.
Brown replaces Scott O'Neill, who recently departed as CEO of the Sixers-Devils.
Sources said Brown will oversee the business operations of the 76ers and Devils, including the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
"We are thrilled to welcome Tad to the HBSE family," HBSE co-founder Josh Harris said in a statement. “Tad is an exceptional leader in our industry, and one with a deep passion for innovation and community engagement. With nearly twenty years of experience leading the Houston Rockets and Toyota Center, we are confident he is a new energy and Will bring new ideas to our team, organization and local community."
In his nearly two decades with Houston, Brown played a role in securing two NBA All-Star Games (2006 and 2013) and served on the NBA's media committee, working closely on media-rights deals for both the league and the Rockets. did.