Syracuse University Hired Chris Presson as CCO
The veteran executive will oversee business operations for the Syracuse University athletic department.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in People
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Syracuse University has hired Chris Presson as its new chief commercial officer and deputy athletic director. Presson, formerly of Rock Entertainment Group, will lead the business side of the school's athletic programs.
Why it matters
Syracuse aims to boost its financial performance as the department seeks to maximize revenue and enhance the atmosphere in the Dome. The university currently faces a competitive need to improve its standing within the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Syracuse generated $120.8 million in athletic revenue during the 2024-25 academic year. The university now navigates a new landscape where schools may pay athletes up to $21.6 million annually.
The players
Chris Presson
He is the new chief commercial officer for Syracuse University who previously served as CEO of the Edmonton Elks and a senior executive at Rock Entertainment Group.
Bryan Blair
He is the athletic director for Syracuse University who has been leading the department since his hiring in March 2026.
Syracuse University
This private research university in New York manages a major athletic department that is currently undergoing significant administrative restructuring.
Rock Entertainment Group
This organization manages major professional sports franchises including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Monsters, Cleveland Charge, and Cleveland Sirens.
The details
Presson will integrate strategy across revenue generation, brand marketing, fan engagement, and corporate partnerships. He is also tasked with overseeing ticketing, premium experiences, and customer relationship management to stabilize the financial position of Syracuse athletics.
Timeline
Syracuse athletic revenue reached $120.8 million during the 2024-25 academic year.
Bryan Blair was hired as Syracuse athletic director in March 2026.
Syracuse announced the hiring of Chris Presson in September 2026.
Market Landscape
Syracuse is responding to a major industry shift as universities adapt to the financial pressures of the NCAA revenue sharing settlement. This move positions the school to better compete with larger athletic departments by professionalizing its commercial strategy.
Fans and season ticket holders can expect significant changes to fan engagement, ticketing, and premium experiences at the Dome. These efforts to maximize revenue are designed to support the university's ability to offer competitive direct payments to student-athletes.
The takeaway
The appointment of a chief commercial officer signals a transition toward a corporate-style business model in college athletics. This restructuring reflects a broader trend where schools must prioritize revenue generation to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving amateur sports landscape.
Further reading
For more on administrative changes at the university, visit People.
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Should university athletic departments focus on business revenue growth to compete in college sports?
